Localization for supporting Multiple Languages on UI front
Introduction The purpose of this document is to outline the specifications for implementing localization support for multiple languages in the Ketida platform's user interface (UI). This will enable users to switch between different languages seamlessly using configuration settings.
Note: Preferably supporting the Spanish language first.
Objectives The main objectives of this project are: a. To provide localization support for multiple languages in the Ketida platform's UI. b. To allow users to select their preferred language through configuration settings. c. To ensure easy maintenance and scalability of the localization system.
Scope The scope of this project includes: a. Language selection: Adding a language selection option to the Ketida platform's settings or preferences. b. Language configuration: Implementing a configuration system to manage language files and translations. c. Language file management: Defining a file structure and naming convention for language files. d. Translation integration: Incorporating the localized content into the Ketida platform's UI based on the selected language.
Language Configuration System a. Configuration file: Create a configuration file to store language-related settings, such as the default language and available languages. b. Configuration options: Define configuration options for each language, including the language code, display name, and associated language file. c. File format: Specify a format (e.g., JSON, XML) for the configuration file.
Language Files and Translations a. File structure: Establish a standardized file structure to organize language files. b. File naming convention: Define a naming convention for language files based on language codes or language names. c. Localization keys: Assign unique keys to different UI elements that require translation. d. Translation content: Store translations for each language in separate files using the defined key-value structure. e. Placeholder support: Implement support for placeholders in translations to handle dynamic content.
Language Selection and Switching a. UI integration: Add a language selection option in the Ketida platform's settings menu. b. Language options: Display the available languages based on the configuration file. c. Language switching: Implement the functionality to switch languages dynamically based on user selection. d. Language persistence: Store the selected language preference in user settings for future sessions.
Maintenance and Scalability a. Version control: Establish a version control system for language files to manage updates and revisions. b. Modularity: Design the localization system to allow easy addition of new languages or updates to existing translations. c. Documentation: Maintain detailed documentation on the localization system, including instructions for adding new languages or modifying translations.
Implementation (if applicable)
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Install the required packages (npm install --save i18next react-i18next i18next-http-backend)
- Create a configuration file (e.g., language-config.json) to store language-related settings.
- Include options such as the default language and a list of available languages with their codes and display names.
- Specify the language file associated with each language (e.g., en.json for English, es.json for Spanish).
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Create app/services/i18n.js to bootstrap an i18next instance. This file will initialize the i18next instance with the necessary settings.
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Create app/locales/{{lng}}/{{ns}}.json where {{lng}} will be the language code, and {{ns}} is the namespace i.e (app/locales/en/translation.json) for English translations.
- Establish a standardized file structure to organize language files. For example:
/locales /en translation.json /es translation.json
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Define a naming convention for language files based on language codes or names for easier identification.
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Use a key-value structure in the language files to store translations. For example:
{ "welcome_message": "Welcome to Ketida!", "login_button": "Log in", "logout_button": "Log out", ... }
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Assign unique keys (e.g., welcome_message, login_button) to different UI elements that require translation.
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Support placeholders in translations to handle dynamic content. For example:
"welcome_message": "Hello, {username}!"
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Import the useTranslation hook and use it to access the t function for translation in the components.
import and use the LanguageSwitcher component in main menu component to allow users to switch languages.
- Add a language selection option in the Ketida platform's settings or preferences menu.
- Display the available languages in the language selection menu, based on the options specified in the configuration file.
- Allow users to switch languages dynamically based on their selection.