Can someone explain to me how the template_c folder is populated and cleared? How often is it cleared?

Would it be a good idea to create a script and run a cron to delete *.php files every 15 minutes or something?

Thanks.

not it will be not a good idea... the template_c must have the files... if you dont change any template there will be not any change in the folder and your XOOPS site will work perfectly... if you want to recompile the templates every time someone ask a page you can chose an option in preferences to do it, but i use to use that option just when i am developing something or debugin something.
The template_c folder should not have mayor changes.

Got it, thanks. I completely forgot to turn off the setting in the admin!