What is Software Internationalization and How it Works?
By: Ayesha Zaheer Posted on Mon, 09-08-2021
In this age of digitalization, many global companies and the companies that are emerging on the global landscape are using software to increase the efficiency of their operations. What is the software? They contain data, programs, and a set of instructions to execute different tasks. For instance, many companies use different software like HR software, Sales software, and many more to keep consistency in the operations of the business no matter where they operate. For example, if the head office of your company is in China and a subsidiary in the USA and you are using HR software then you must translate your software.
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After translation, comes localization and then comes internationalization. People often get confused among all these. Translation is done by machines or translators; they translate the software from one language to another keeping the same essence. Localization is a step ahead of translation. It is a type of translation while keeping regional and cultural nuances in view. The technical aspect of software translation and localization is called Internationalization.
Software Internationalization
Do you want to know what software internationalization is? It relates to the design and development of the software so that it can be localized according to regional and cultural differences. It is done by a software developer. Software internationalization works under the head of localization and includes technical aspects in it. It involves the usage of codes that must change to provide information in different languages.
Working of Software Internationalization
Whether it is software translation, localization, or internationalization, it all involves different steps. Let’s have a look at the steps involved in software internationalization.
Forming Placeholders
For the coding of a user interface of the software, you must form placeholders so that you can hold the text in the translation files. They help you in searching the translation files for the translation in the specific language. For example, applying for leaves in Hr software, apply now in your leaves button, code present in a placeholder will display the word apply now in the required language. It usually depends upon your system and is performed in Unicode. Moreover, it makes sure that strings work independently without relying on the string values of the code. Some technologies help you in separating the languages but in many, you must do it manually. For this, you must add features in your software like language identifiers and help for bidirectional and vertical languages. Moreover, the languages that move from right to left such as Arabic or Hebrew, and other language requirements like punctuation or accents.
Arranging the Source Code
Organize your software application by separating the files of each language. To develop the code for localization, you must compile all the information in an application and store it outside the code. Despite hard coding the text in a software application, you must separate the files of different languages. In this way, you can easily export and import the languages without disturbing the codes. To keep the formats of the file clean, organize the strings in a group so that translation can be done systematically. Give a name to each string. In this way, you can easily understand the text that you want to refer to like the CTA button or headline. After that, you can easily upload your files to the translation management system.
Tools Used for Software Internationalization
Software internationalization is a tedious task. Therefore, to make this process easy, you must consider the localization process from the start of the development process of software. First, identify the market that you want to target then start the process of internationalization.
Command-Line Interface CLI
This is a specific tool for internationalization. Therefore each developer should include it in a toolbox. This tool provides great assistance in the localization process. Command-Line Interface helps to create projects and download files. With this tool, you don’t have to use the mouse, again and again, instead, you can make a single command that will run all the operations. For instance, with a single command, you can download the files of English, Chinese, and Spanish in a specific format.
Webhooks
It is a tool of its kind that sends automatic notifications from one application to another. Therefore, you can use this tool to export translation files from one app to another. Moreover, you can get intimation when translation files are downloaded so that you can process the resource files so that the translation process starts automatically.
Application Programming Interface (API)
The use of API is in great demand. It is a very important tool in a way that it makes your software know all other activities which are being conducted with translation. For instance, API can help to accommodate translation files and keeps the backup of the projects. Moreover, it helps in downloading the data from the software in a semi-automatic or automatic mode. API makes the localization process easy.
In-context Editing
In-context editing tools give the translators the idea that where and how translated content will be accommodated. This tool is especially used in iterations and taking approvals in wide teams. In this way, you can easily know how the translated content is accommodated in the new interface. By understanding the translation process, you can easily localize and internationalize the software. Moreover, you can check the translation impact on software development and design.
Pseudo Localization
One of the important tools for software Internationalization is pseudo localization. It helps you in understanding the spaces that languages can take like vertical space, contraction, and expansion of the content. The best part of this tool is that it provides all this information before translation. It optimizes the user interface for the target language and eliminates the challenges of different codes.
Wrapping Up
Do you want your software to be localized for any language and any local market in a cost-effective manner? Do opt for software internationalization.
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