XLIF

XLIF, or XML Localization Interchange File Format, is an XML-based file format designed to facilitate the exchange of data between localization tools and systems. It was developed by the Localization Industry Standards Association (LISA) to address the need for a standardized way to transfer localization data, such as source text, translations, and metadata, between different localization tools and platforms.

The primary goal of XLIF is to ensure interoperability among various localization tools and services, enabling seamless data exchange and reducing the risk of data loss or corruption during the transfer process. By using a standardized XML format, XLIF allows localization vendors and clients to work with different tools without being locked into a single vendor's ecosystem.

XLIF files typically contain segments of source text, along with their corresponding translations, as well as metadata such as translation status, comments, and context information. This structured format makes it easier for localization tools to parse and process the data, ensuring that translations are accurate and consistent.

The XLIF format has been widely adopted in the localization industry, and many localization tools and platforms support importing and exporting XLIF files. This widespread adoption has helped to streamline the localization process, making it more efficient and cost-effective for businesses and organizations that require multilingual content.