| name | localize |
| description | Localize ryOS apps and components by extracting hardcoded strings, replacing with translation keys, and syncing across languages. Use when localizing an app, adding i18n support, translating UI text, or working with translation files. |
Localize App or Component
Workflow Checklist
- [ ] 1. Extract hardcoded strings
- [ ] 2. Replace with t() calls in source files
- [ ] 3. Add English translations to en/translation.json
- [ ] 4. Sync translations across languages
- [ ] 5. Machine translate [TODO] keys
- [ ] 6. Validate coverage
Step 1: Extract Hardcoded Strings
bun run scripts/extract-strings.ts --pattern [PATTERN]
Step 2: Replace Strings with t() Calls
For each component:
- Add import:
import { useTranslation } from "react-i18next";
- Add hook:
const { t } = useTranslation();
- Replace strings:
t("apps.[appName].category.key")
- Add
t to dependency arrays for useMemo/useCallback
Key Structure
apps.[appName].menu.* # Menu labels
apps.[appName].dialogs.* # Dialog titles/descriptions
apps.[appName].status.* # Status messages
apps.[appName].ariaLabels.* # Accessibility labels
apps.[appName].help.* # Help items (auto-translated)
Common Patterns
t("apps.ipod.menu.file")
t("apps.ipod.status.trackCount", { count: 5 })
isPlaying ? t("pause") : t("play")
`✓ ${t("apps.ipod.menu.shuffle")}`
Step 3: Add English Translations
Add to src/lib/locales/en/translation.json:
{
"apps": {
"ipod": {
"menu": { "file": "File", "addSong": "Add Song..." },
"dialogs": { "clearLibraryTitle": "Clear Library" },
"status": { "shuffleOn": "Shuffle ON" }
}
}
}
Step 4: Sync Across Languages
bun run scripts/sync-translations.ts --mark-untranslated
Adds missing keys to all language files, marked with [TODO].
Step 5: Machine Translate
bun run scripts/machine-translate.ts
Requires GOOGLE_GENERATIVE_AI_API_KEY env variable.
Step 6: Validate
bun run scripts/find-untranslated-strings.ts
Component Guidelines
| Component | What to translate |
|---|
| Menu bars | All labels, items, submenus |
| Dialogs | Titles, descriptions, button labels |
| Status | showStatus() calls, toasts |
| Help items | Auto-translated via useTranslatedHelpItems |
Notes
- Emoji/symbols (♪, ✓) can stay hardcoded
- Help items use pattern:
apps.[appName].help.[key].title/description
- Include
t in dependency arrays when used in useMemo/useCallback