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Only translated strings in language file

Context and Problem Statement

JabRef has translation files JabRef_it.properties, … There are translated and untranslated strings. Which ones should be in the translation file?

Decision Drivers

  • Translators should find new strings to translate easily
  • New strings to translate should be written into JabRef_en.properties to enable translation by the translators
  • Crowdin should be kept as translation platform, because 1) it is much easier for the translators than the GitHub workflow and 2) it is free for OSS projects.

Considered Options

  • Only translated strings in language file
  • Translated and untranslated strings in language file, have value the untranslated string to indicate untranslated
  • Translated and untranslated strings in language file, have empty to indicate untranslated

Decision Outcome

Chosen option: “Only translated strings in language file”, because comes out best (see below.

Pros and Cons of the Options

Only translated strings in language file

Translated and untranslated strings in language file, have value the untranslated string to indicate untranslated

  • Good, because no issues with FXML
  • Good, because Crowdin supports it
  • Bad, because untranslated strings cannot be identified easily in Latin languages

Translated and untranslated strings in language file, have empty to indicate untranslated

  • Good, because untranslated strings can be identified easily
  • Good, because works with FMXL (?)
  • Bad, because Crowdin does not support it