A practical guide for efficient translation of YAML files 

Unsure about the best way to efficiently translate YAML files? You are in the right place! This blog post serves as a practical guide, explaining the most common methods for translating YAML files for software localization. Additionally, it highlights the common hurdles faced with manual YAML file translation and explains how specialized tools can make the translation process easier and enhance the translation quality. Shall we get started?

Understanding YAML files 

Before we dive into the process of translating YAML files and share some useful tips and best practices, it's essential to first understand what YAML files are and the importance of their translation in developing multilingual applications.

YAML, which stands for YAML Ain't Markup Language, is a file format extensively utilized in various areas of software development. Its uses range from storing project configurations to containing translations necessary for software localization. The practice of keeping translations in special files is well-established, effectively separating the application's text from its code. This approach, adopted since the early days of computing, facilitates easier maintenance and future modifications within the application. Moreover, it streamlines the process of adding new languages to an application, requiring only the translation of necessary texts into a new language and making minimal code adjustments.

The YAML file format is quite flexible. However, a common method for storing translations in YAML files involves using a nested structure where related messages are grouped together.

Different approaches for translating YAML files 

When it comes to translating YAML files, two approaches are commonly used. The first approach involves using a basic text editor like Notepad, Notepad++, or TextEdit. These tools are widely utilized for working with text-based files, and you might already be familiar with them. The second approach is to use specialized tools specifically designed for translating YAML files.

Here's a closer look at how these approaches differ:

Using a basic text editor allows for the flexibility to edit various types of files with a single tool. However, these editors do not offer advanced features that are specifically designed for translating YAML files in software localization. To translate successfully using this method, you need a solid understanding of YAML files, including knowing which parts to translate and ensuring no errors are introduced.

On the other hand, specialized translation tools are designed specifically for translating YAML files. They guide you through the sections that need translation, minimizing the risk of overlooking important parts or introducing errors. These tools are equipped with additional helpful features, such as the ability to view screenshots, reuse previous translations, manage glossary terms, and facilitate collaboration within a team by allowing comments, sharing ideas, and gaining a deeper understanding of the context. Choosing these specialized tools can streamline the translation process, making it faster, easier, and generally improving the quality of your translations.

Common mistakes in YAML file translation 

This section delves into the typical challenges encountered in the manual translation of YAML files for software localization purposes:

• Invalid file syntax: YAML files might be too complex for people not familiar with technical details. Common pitfalls include improper indentation, syntax errors, and inaccuracies in the formatting of keys or values.
• Invalid placeholders: Improper translation of placeholders can result in application errors. It is crucial to differentiate between text that needs translation and text that should remain unchanged.
• Improper handling of plural forms: Each language has its own set of rules for pluralization. Employing the wrong plural forms can cause inaccuracies in the application.

Utilizing specialized tools for translating YAML files can significantly reduce the common issues highlighted above. These tools not only facilitate the automatic creation of these files after translation but also assist in minimizing the associated risks. Adopting such tools embodies a proactive strategy for ensuring a flawless translation process.

Automating the translation of YAML files 

By automating certain processes in translating YAML files, you can significantly boost efficiency, a critical aspect in today's fast-moving technological world. This section delves into strategies that can allow you to accelerate and streamline the translation process by utilizing advanced localization tools.

Streamlining translation tasks through collaboration 

Localization platforms greatly enhance teamwork. They enable you to add team members like managers, developers, and translators, and give them specific translation tasks. This way, you can concentrate on other crucial parts of your project while your team works more efficiently. Additionally, these tools significantly reduce the common mistakes associated with manual translation, thereby accelerating the development process.

An example of an assigned translation task in Localizely is provided below.

Enhancing efficiency with Machine Translation 

A wide array of localization tools is equipped with a Machine Translation feature, capable of translating YAML files in mere seconds. Beginning with Machine Translation and following up with a post-review can significantly speed up the process of translating your YAML files.

An example of Machine Translation usage in Localizely is shown below.

Opting for professional translation services 

If you're considering delegating translation tasks to professionals, you can opt for professional translation services. This approach allows you to specify the texts, target languages, and desired tone (such as formal or casual). Subsequently, skilled translators will complete the work within a predetermined timeframe.

An example of placing a translation order on Localizely is illustrated below.

By automating certain processes involved in the translation of YAML files, you can significantly reduce the time spent on these activities. Specialized translation tools can also help you organize and monitor the translation process more effectively. This will not only boost efficiency but also elevate the quality of translations, encourage teamwork, and avoid the typical errors encountered in manual translation of YAML files.

Conclusion 

In this post, we've provided a concise overview of how to translate YAML files, showing two common approaches for achieving this. We've also highlighted the common hurdles faced during manual translation and shared effective strategies to enhance translation efficiency through the use of specialized localization tools.

Localizely is a reliable localization platform, specifically designed to simplify the translation of YAML files. Equipped with a variety of useful features, it streamlines the software localization process. Additionally, Localizely offers a free plan that doesn’t require a credit card, making it an excellent choice for smaller projects. Furthermore, it is completely free for open-source projects.

Try Localizely for free today.