Mastering Translation Files in AL Projects

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Standard Processes in Business Central
3. Translating Custom Processes
4. Using the CliffSync Extension
5. Manual Translation
6. Automatic Translation with SmartGetCat.com
7. Synchronizing Translation Units
8. Testing Translations in Business Central
9. Troubleshooting Translation Issues
10. Recommended Translation Tools
11. Conclusion

Introduction

Welcome to this tutorial on translating custom processes in Business Central. In today's global business environment, it is crucial to ensure that your custom processes can be used by users worldwide, regardless of their language preferences. In this article, we will explore various methods to translate your custom processes and make them language-compatible. We will discuss both manual and automatic translation options, as well as the tools available to assist you in the translation process.

Standard Processes in Business Central

Before diving into the translation process, let's briefly discuss standard processes in Business Central. These are pre-built processes available in the system that help perform common business activities. By default, Business Central is set to use English as the primary language. However, You can change the language settings to any other supported language, and all standard processes will be displayed in the selected language.

Translating Custom Processes

When developing custom processes for your clients, it is your responsibility to ensure that they can be used in multiple languages. In this section, we will explore various methods to translate your custom processes.

Using the CliffSync Extension

One way to handle translations in Business Central is by using the CliffSync extension. This extension allows you to download and install the necessary translation files for your project. By specifying the source and target languages, you can generate translation files for multiple languages. However, it is important to note that the initial files generated by the extension will require manual translation.

Manual Translation

Manual translation involves using external tools, such as Google Translate, to translate the text in your custom processes. You can copy the translated text and paste it into the appropriate fields in your translation files. While this method is effective, it can be time-consuming, especially if you have a large number of text elements to translate.

Automatic Translation with SmartGetCat.com

An alternative to manual translation is using automated translation services, such as SmartGetCat.com. These services allow you to upload your translation files and automatically generate translated versions for your desired languages. This significantly speeds up the translation process and ensures consistency across different languages.

Synchronizing Translation Units

After making modifications to your custom processes, you need to ensure that all translation files are up to date. The CliffSync extension provides a "synchronize translation units" option, which updates the translation files Based on the changes in the source language file. This step is crucial to keep all translations accurate and synchronized.

Testing Translations in Business Central

Once you have translated your custom processes, it is important to test them in Business Central to verify the accuracy of the translations. By changing the language settings in Business Central, you can check if the translated text is displayed correctly. This step ensures a seamless user experience for users of different languages.

Troubleshooting Translation Issues

During the translation process, you may encounter certain issues, such as missing translations or incorrect display of translated text. This section will discuss common translation issues and provide troubleshooting tips to resolve them. It is essential to address these issues to deliver a high-quality product to your clients.

Recommended Translation Tools

In addition to the CliffSync extension and SmartGetCat.com, there are other useful translation tools available. This section will highlight some recommended translation tools that can simplify and streamline the translation process for your custom processes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, translating custom processes in Business Central is essential for reaching a global audience. By following the methods and using the tools discussed in this article, you can ensure that your custom processes are accessible and usable in multiple languages. Remember to thoroughly test your translations and address any issues that arise to provide an excellent user experience for users worldwide.

Article

Introduction

Welcome to this tutorial on translating custom processes in Business Central. In today's global business environment, it is crucial to ensure that your custom processes can be used by users worldwide, regardless of their language preferences. In this article, we will explore various methods to translate your custom processes and make them language-compatible. We will discuss both manual and automatic translation options, as well as the tools available to assist you in the translation process.

Standard Processes in Business Central

Before diving into the translation process, let's briefly discuss standard processes in Business Central. These are pre-built processes available in the system that help perform common business activities. By default, Business Central is set to use English as the primary language. However, you can change the language settings to any other supported language, and all standard processes will be displayed in the selected language.

Translating Custom Processes

When developing custom processes for your clients, it is your responsibility to ensure that they can be used in multiple languages. This means translating all the text elements in your custom processes, such as Captions, labels, and tooltips, into the desired languages. In this section, we will explore various methods to translate your custom processes and make them language-compatible.

Using the CliffSync Extension

One way to handle translations in Business Central is by using the CliffSync extension. This extension allows you to download and install the necessary translation files for your project. By specifying the source and target languages, you can generate translation files for multiple languages. However, it is important to note that the initial files generated by the extension will require manual translation.

To use the CliffSync extension, you need to download and install it from the Visual Studio Code marketplace. Once installed, you can access the extension through the command palette by pressing Ctrl+Shift+P (or Cmd+Shift+P on macOS) and typing "CliffSync". From here, you can select various options, such as creating new target files for translation, synchronizing translation units, and more.

Manual Translation

Manual translation involves using external tools, such as Google Translate, to translate the text in your custom processes. This method requires copying the text to be translated, pasting it into the translation tool, and copying the translated text back into your translation files. While this method can be effective, it can be time-consuming, especially if you have a large number of text elements to translate.

To manually translate your custom processes, you need to identify all the text elements that require translation. These may include captions, labels, tooltips, and other user interface elements. Copy the English text of each element and paste it into a translation tool, such as Google Translate. Once you have the translated text, copy it and replace the corresponding English text in your translation files. Repeat this process for each text element until all translations are complete.

Automatic Translation with SmartGetCat.com

An alternative to manual translation is using automated translation services, such as SmartGetCat.com. These services allow you to upload your translation files and automatically generate translated versions for your desired languages. This significantly speeds up the translation process and ensures consistency across different languages.

To use SmartGetCat.com, you need to Create an account on their Website and upload your translation files. The service will analyze the files and provide you with automatically generated translations for your selected languages. Once you have the translated files, you can download them and replace the corresponding files in your project. This method is not only faster but also reduces the chances of errors that may occur during manual translation.

Synchronizing Translation Units

After making modifications to your custom processes, such as adding new elements or modifying existing ones, it is important to ensure that all translation files are up to date. The CliffSync extension provides a "synchronize translation units" option, which automatically updates the translation files based on the changes in the source language file. This step is crucial to keep all translations accurate and synchronized.

To synchronize translation units using the CliffSync extension, open your project in Visual Studio Code and access the command palette by pressing Ctrl+Shift+P (or Cmd+Shift+P on macOS). Type "CliffSync" and select the "Synchronize translation units" option. The extension will scan your project and update the translation files with any changes in the source language file. This ensures that all translations are up to date and reflects the latest modifications in your custom processes.

Testing Translations in Business Central

Once you have translated your custom processes, it is important to test them in Business Central to verify the accuracy of the translations. Testing ensures that the translated text is displayed correctly and that the user experience is consistent across all languages.

To test translations in Business Central, change the language settings to the desired language. This can be done by accessing the "Language" option in the settings menu. Once you have selected the desired language, open your custom processes and check if the translated text is displayed correctly. Pay Attention to captions, labels, tooltips, and other user interface elements to ensure their accuracy.

If you encounter any issues or inconsistencies in the translated text, refer to the troubleshooting section in this article for guidance on resolving translation issues.

Troubleshooting Translation Issues

During the translation process, you may encounter certain issues, such as missing translations or incorrect display of translated text. It is important to address these issues promptly to deliver a high-quality product to your clients.

If you encounter missing translations, double-check your translation files to ensure that all text elements have been properly translated. If any elements are missing or incomplete, update the translation files accordingly.

If the translated text is not displayed correctly or appears garbled, check for formatting or encoding issues in your translation files. Make sure that the files are saved in the correct format and that special characters and diacritics are handled properly.

Additionally, test the translated text in different contexts and scenarios to ensure that it fits within the allotted space and does not cause any layout or formatting issues.

Recommended Translation Tools

In addition to the CliffSync extension and SmartGetCat.com, there are other useful translation tools available that can simplify and streamline the translation process for your custom processes. Here are a few recommended tools:

1. Applanga: A translation management system that allows you to manage and automate the translation process for your custom processes.
2. Google Translate API: An API provided by Google that enables you to integrate automated translation services directly into your custom processes.
3. DeepL: An AI-powered translation tool that provides high-quality translations for a wide range of languages.

These tools offer various features and capabilities to enhance the translation process and improve the accuracy and efficiency of your translations.

Conclusion

In today's global business landscape, translating custom processes in Business Central is essential for reaching a diverse audience. By following the methods and using the tools discussed in this article, you can ensure that your custom processes are accessible and usable in multiple languages. Remember to thoroughly test your translations and address any issues that arise to provide an excellent user experience for users worldwide.

Thank you for reading this tutorial on translating custom processes in Business Central.

Highlights

• Translating custom processes in Business Central is essential for reaching a global audience.
• The CliffSync extension allows you to download and install translation files for your custom processes.
• Manual translation involves using external tools, such as Google Translate, to translate the text in your custom processes.
• Using automated translation services, such as SmartGetCat.com, can significantly speed up the translation process.
• Synchronizing translation units ensures that all translations are up to date and reflects the latest modifications in your custom processes.
• Testing translations in Business Central is important to verify the accuracy of the translations and ensure a seamless user experience.
• Troubleshooting translation issues promptly is crucial to delivering high-quality translations to your clients.
• Recommended translation tools include Applanga, Google Translate API, and DeepL.
• By following the methods and using the tools discussed, you can make your custom processes language-compatible and accessible to users worldwide.

FAQ

Q: Can I use the CliffSync extension to translate my custom processes automatically?

A: The CliffSync extension generates the initial translation files for your custom processes but requires manual translation. However, you can use external translation tools or services to automate the translation process.

Q: Are there any recommended translation tools for custom processes in Business Central?

A: Yes, some recommended translation tools include Applanga, Google Translate API, and DeepL. These tools offer various features and capabilities to streamline the translation process.

Q: How can I test the translations in Business Central?

A: To test translations in Business Central, change the language settings to the desired language and check if the translated text is displayed correctly in your custom processes. Pay attention to captions, labels, tooltips, and other user interface elements.

Q: What should I do if the translated text is not displaying correctly in Business Central?

A: If you encounter issues with the translated text, check your translation files for formatting or encoding issues. Make sure they are saved in the correct format and that special characters and diacritics are handled properly.

Q: How often should I synchronize the translation units in Business Central?

A: It is recommended to synchronize the translation units each time you make modifications to your custom processes. This ensures that all translations are up to date and accurately reflect the changes in the source language.