a multi language approach

[cssfreakie]

HI all,

 

I know not much about php, but i thought before i start creating a nice application that is useful, i ask a bit around for advice. I was thinking that it could very well be smart to make something like a language file. In that file are for instance the names of table headers, error messages, button text etc. I thought that would be nice because that way i can easily translate a complete site, by using just one file, a language file.

 

I thought i could use define() in that file to create some constants like:

define("invalidname", "the name you provided is invalid");

Than In my index I include that file and use the constant in the right places.

 

 

Now the question i have is, would this dramatically slow down my website or application, because it's loading the language file. Or is it a good approach.

I really have no idea, but it seemed to me like a nice idea to separate standard stuff like errors, and button text instead of having to edit all files separately.

 

Love to hear tips and advice, better methods on this.

thanks

[johnny86]

I wouldn't go and use definitions.. Here is a good article about localization in PHP:

http://docstore.mik.ua/orelly/webprog/pcook/ch16_01.htm

 

It's not by any means too comprehensive.. But there are atleast things I've found useful. Defining your languages to array is a basic easy-approach solution. But if you want performance, use gettext() or the alias _() and manage your language files through your command line or use something like Poedit to make it a little easier. Take a good look at internal php localization; setlocale(), date_default_timezone_set() combined with the right functions ie. time functions are very important to use to provide everyone information in their own national date/time format and weekday names etc etc. Like strftime() will create a date for you according to your locale.

 

An article to set you up with using gettext: http://onlamp.com/pub/a/php/2002/06/13/php.html

Poedit site: http://www.poedit.net/

[cssfreakie]

oh wow, thanks alot m8,

 

Every day I learn a new word. today its uml and localization. Great article i'll sure try to apply it,

ty!!