Oversettelsesfiler

Oversettelsesfiler, often referred to as localization files or resource files, are documents used to store text strings and other translatable content for software applications, websites, and other digital products. The primary purpose of these files is to facilitate the translation and adaptation of a product for different languages and cultural contexts. This process is known as localization.

These files typically contain pairs of original text (source) and its corresponding translation (target) for each language. For example, a file might contain an entry like "greeting: Hello" for English, and "greeting: Bonjour" for French. This structured approach ensures that all instances of a specific phrase are translated consistently throughout the product.

Common formats for oversettelsesfiler include .po (Portable Object), .xliff (XML Localization Interchange File Format), .json, .xml, and .properties. Each format has its own advantages and is often chosen based on the specific needs of the project or the tools being used. Specialized software, known as translation management systems (TMS) or computer-assisted translation (CAT) tools, are frequently employed to manage and edit these files, aiding translators in their work by providing translation memory, glossaries, and quality assurance checks.

By separating translatable text from the application's code, oversettelsesfiler allow for easier updates and maintenance of translations without altering the core functionality of the product. This modularity is crucial for global product releases and ongoing localization efforts.