# Processing Expression Templates

When an expression template is used, a number of steps must be performed to create a valid SNOMED CT expression that conforms to the given template.

In this section, we explain the steps involved in *processing an expression template*. We also explain the pre-processing and post-processing tasks involved.

The figure below illustrates this process. Please note that these steps do not necessarily need to be performed in this order.

<figure><img src="/files/hjUjNBat3E2M2hblTInw" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Figure 7-1: Template processing steps

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