msgstrn

Msgstrn is a term encountered in software localization contexts. It refers to a translation string associated with a numeric index, typically used to represent plural forms or variant-specific translations in multilingual software. It is not a formal standard and has no single, universally accepted definition.

The notation is often mentioned in informal tutorials, sample code, or discussions about i18n (internationalization) to illustrate the concept of numbered translation slots. In the official GNU gettext framework, plural translations are stored in the PO file using msgid and a set of msgstr entries with indices such as msgstr[0], msgstr[1], and so on. The shorthand msgstrn is therefore not an official field or syntax; it is a mnemonic used by authors to refer to the idea of "a translated string with a numeric index." Different projects may adopt different naming conventions for internal data structures that hold these plural forms, including names like msgstrN or msgstr[n].

Practical guidance: when encountering msgstrn in documentation or code, look for an accompanying index or plural-form mapping. Rely on the project's localization format specification or on gettext's plural rules for correct handling. Because the term is informal, do not assume it corresponds to a formal API or file format.