Building the Foundation for your App Localization
Creating a localized version of an application is usually a complex task, but we can simplify it by adhering to certain best practices. If your application is large and lacks any form of internationalization (i18n) support or a framework, we’re facing a challenging journey. On the other hand, employing a library like React or frameworks such as Angular can slightly improve our situation, and togther we will walk though the Steps to Get Your App Ready for Localization.
In any scenario, it’s crucial to assess the necessary modifications and the most effective ways to implement them without causing any issues. We should begin by examining the current project and its progress. Consider the following scenarios:
Project Is in Planning Stage for Localization Readiness
If the project hasn’t commenced, making design choices is simpler. Depending on the framework or library selected, you can identify suitable i18n libraries right from the start. For instance, we recommend the top libraries for React i18n or similarly, the top i18n libraries for Angular. Ensure you pick one and meticulously follow the setup instructions provided during the project’s initial phases.
Project Launched but Few Users Engaged
Should the project be operational yet still in its infancy, we might also find ourselves in a favorable position. Given that the codebase could be relatively compact, integrating an internationalization library and translation strings could be accomplished with minimal adjustments.
Project Launched with Users Engaged
Should the project be operational but feature a substantial codebase, and users have been actively utilizing it for an extended period, then challenges may arise. Implementing a significant update, such as introducing internationalization and localization support, could prove complex. It’s advisable to adopt a phased approach to the app’s updates – or localized versions – to mitigate the impact of any issues.
For instance, initiating the project with the translation of certain messages to accommodate the default language could be the first step. Users would not notice any alterations, marking the completion of the initial phase. Subsequently, localized versions could be introduced in each update, allowing for a more measured response. It’s crucial to ensure that there’s a mechanism in place to incorporate new translations without the need to reinstate the application, enabling the correction of errors without interruptions.
Planning the Steps for Preparation
Seek Out Translators for your App Localization
Before you start the process of making your app local for different regions, it’s crucial to invest in the key resource: finding reliable and cost-effective translation services. This is essential to ensure the content aligns with the website or application you’re aiming to launch and guarantees the text is displayed correctly. Additionally, it’s important to establish a strong relationship with new translators, and finding the right ones might take some effort. Cube Localization offers all kind of Website, Apps and Games Localization.
In our situation, we have the assurance of Gengo, which provides high-quality translations in a matter of hours, supported by a team of skilled translators. They also offer specialized translation services for various commercial platforms like Magento, WordPress, or YouTube, along with an innovative API for developers.
Acquire a Translation Management System (TMS)
The following step is to locate a system that will handle the translated content and any localized materials. You might think this step is unnecessary, but we advise considering it. Localizing a commercial application involves more than just creating JSON files and allowing the application to use them. These are datasets that need to be stored and tracked in a system for future reference or to manage changes. Ultimately, you should think about the long-term savings and advantages of having a managed system for translations.
If you’re in the market for a dependable, efficient, and developer-friendly TMS, we suggest checking out Phrase. It offers everything your project team will need for translation work, such as a well-documented API and a CLI tool that functions like Git. You can easily manage translation keys in the cloud through ITS Dashboard and handle various formats. Using Phrase means you can avoid issues with missing keys or disruptions in your translation workflow.
Select a Library for Your Needs
It’s time to pick a library that suits your needs. Typically, we need to consider a few key factors. For instance, we might look at how simple it is to incorporate the library into your codebase, its performance, whether there’s a supportive community, and if it supports multiple languages and extra information. Additionally, it’s crucial to adjust the language settings for your users while keeping your search engine optimization (SEO) strategy intact, such as creating meaningful links and ensuring translations are available when needed for greater adaptability. We recommend taking the time to explore various libraries as a way to test their compatibility with your workflow.
Once you’ve chosen a library, it’s time to begin adding localized content. At this point, it’s essential to leverage automation to eliminate the need for manual labor. For example, utilizing the Phrase Strings API with your selected library could be the optimal choice, as it avoids the creation of error-prone scripts. You can also implement CI/CD pipeline steps to automatically update translations from the cloud, bypassing the need for manual intervention. This approach offers the highest level of flexibility and simplifies your daily operations.
Concluding Thoughts
Setting up an app for localization doesn’t have to be daunting. It requires a systematic and thoughtful approach to ensure all the necessary translation services, tools, and automated tasks are in place before integration. Remember, enhancing your product’s quality is in your hands, and it’s our duty to provide the most relevant content for our users, and these were our Steps to Get Your App Ready for Localization.
