Integrating Continuous Localization

Continuous localization is essential for software development in a globalized world. This lesson explores how to integrate continuous localization into your development process, ensuring that your software can adapt to various languages and cultural contexts seamlessly.

• Localization (L10n): Adapting your software for a specific language and region.
• Internationalization (I18n): Designing your software to be easily localized for different languages and regions.
• Continuous Localization: The process of integrating localization into the agile and continuous delivery pipelines.

1. Set Up a Translation Management System (TMS)

Select a TMS that fits your project requirements. Popular options include:

• Transifex
• Phrase
• Smartling

2. Integrate with CI/CD Pipelines

Ensure your TMS integrates with your CI/CD tools (e.g., GitHub Actions, Jenkins) to automate the localization process. Here’s an example of how to set this up with GitHub Actions:

                name: Continuous Localization
                on:
                  push:
                    branches:
                      - main
                jobs:
                  localization:
                    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
                    steps:
                      - name: Checkout code
                        uses: actions/checkout@v2
                      - name: Update translations
                        run: |
                          # Your command to update translations
                          ./update-translations.sh
                

3. Automate Extraction of Strings

Use tools like gettext or i18next to extract strings for translation automatically. Example for i18next:

                import i18next from 'i18next';

                i18next.init({
                  lng: 'en',
                  resources: {
                    en: {
                      translation: {
                        key: "value",
                      },
                    },
                  },
                });
                

4. Implement a Review Process

Establish a review process for translations, involving native speakers or professional translators to ensure quality.

5. Continuous Feedback Loop

Gather feedback on translations and make improvements iteratively. Utilize analytics to track user engagement with localized content.

• Choose the right TMS based on team size and workflow.
• Regularly update strings to keep translations current.
• Involve native speakers in the review process to ensure cultural relevance.
• Automate as much as possible to reduce manual work.
• Maintain clear documentation for your localization process.