gettext. what tools does it include?

The gettext system is a powerful suite of tools designed for internationalization and localization (i18n and l10n) of software applications. Originally created to help developers and translators manage multilingual support, gettext is widely used in Unix-like operating systems, as well as across various programming languages, including Python and PHP. Below is a detailed overview of the tools included within the gettext suite along with their functionalities.

Overview of gettext Tools

1. xgettext

xgettext is a command-line tool that extracts translatable strings from source code files. It scans the codebase for specific gettext function calls, identifying strings marked for translation. This tool is crucial for generating a Portable Object (PO) file, which serves as the foundation for translations.

• Functionality:
  • Recognizes various programming languages.
  • Supports different custom file formats.
  • Generates POT (Portable Object Template) files for use in translating software.

2. msginit

msginit is used to create new PO files from POT files. When a new language is added, msginit helps initialize the translation process by generating a blank template for translators to fill in.

• Functionality:
  • Creates a new translation file based on a source template.
  • Allows for the addition of metadata that specifies the language and translation settings.

3. msgfmt

msgfmt compiles PO files into Machine Object (MO) files, which are binary files that gettext uses at runtime. MO files are optimized for performance, allowing faster access to translations.

• Functionality:
  • Converts human-readable PO files into binary format.
  • Supports optional translation optimizations, improving speed.

4. msgmerge

msgmerge updates existing PO files with new strings from a POT file. It ensures that translators are working with the latest strings and helps maintain consistency across translations.

• Functionality:
  • Merges new translations and updates existing entries.
  • Handles the legacy fuzzy entries so that translators can review them.

5. msgid

These functions are not tools per se but part of the code that developers insert to mark translatable strings. Developers use gettext() and ngettext() in their codebase to indicate which strings should be translated.

• Functionality:
  • Retrieves the appropriate translation for a given string based on the current locale.

Additional Tools and Utilities

Beyond the core tools listed above, the following tools complement the gettext suite:

1. Poedit

Poedit is a graphical editor for translating PO files. While it is not part of the core gettext utilities, it is widely used in conjunction with them due to its user-friendly interface.

• Functionality:
  • Provides translation memory and suggestions based on previous translations.
  • Supports various file formats alongside PO files.

2. Lokalise

Lokalise integrates with gettext, offering a collaborative platform for teams to manage translations. It provides features such as in-context editing, version control, and support for numerous file formats.

• Functionality:
  • Cloud-based collaboration tool for localization professionals.
  • Interface designed to streamline the translation process.

3. GNU gettext Manual

For developers and translators looking to understand how to effectively use these tools, the GNU gettext manual serves as a comprehensive resource detailing features, commands, and recommendations for best practices.

Conclusion

The gettext suite encompasses essential tools for managing translations in software development. From extracting strings with xgettext to compiling them into usable formats with msgfmt, these tools collectively streamline the internationalization process. As software continues to need global reach, understanding and leveraging gettext and its associated tools becomes increasingly vital. For developers and translators, utilizing these tools facilitates the creation and maintenance of multilingual applications, enhancing user accessibility and satisfaction. For further details, exploring specific functionality through the official GNU gettext documentation is advisable.