Loc4J is a Java developer's library that aids in the localization
of applications. To accomplish this, Loc4J uses XLIFF[1]
files. Within an XLIFF file an original language's text and its
corresponding translation are stored. Loc4J reads in the
translations from XLIFF and makes them easily accessible for use
in a program.
Loc4J's separation of localizations out into XLIFF has clear
advantages over other localization methods for Java applications.
Localizers, including localization engineers and translators, are
free to use any editor to perform the language work component of
an application. Of course, an XLIFF or XML capable editor can be
used for an enhanced editing experience. The resultant XLIFF
can then be easily put into place for use by the application.
On top of this, all the extra XLIFF functionality that may be
needed as part of a larger globalization/internationalization
workflow, content management system, or other business process
are gained and there is no need to change the underlying document
or extract text out into other formats for use. These capabilities
are not available via other Java localization methods.
Status:
stable version 1.0.2 is available (as intl4j). Present work is
focussed on migrating Loc4J over from its previous incarnation as
Intl4J. In addition to this, there are a number of new features
being considered and various fixes that should be available in the
next release of the library (version 1.0.3).
(1. XLIFF [XML Localization Interchange File Format] is a standard
currently under technical committee of
OASIS
(Organization for the Advancement of Structured Information
Standards). For more information, see the specific OASIS page on
XLIFF.)
Requirements
In addition to a Java Runtime Environment(JRE) for end users,
or a Java Developement Kit(JDK) for developers. There are a number
of external libraries that Loc4J is dependent upon for its
operation.
The libraries are not presently packaged along with the Loc4J
binary jar file. They are included in the source package files
in the /lib directory. The external java libraries include:
-
commons-beanutils.jar - Wrappers for Java reflection and
introspection APIs
-
jsp-api.jar - Java Server Pages API
-
junit.jar - Unit testing framework
-
log4j-1.2.9.jar - Logging framework
-
servlet-api.jar - Servlet API
-
xercesImpl.jar - XML parser library
-
xml-api.jar - XML API library
FYI, the libraries included in the source package are known to work
with Loc4J. Use of other versions of these libraries may or may
not function correctly. Information on the corresponding versions
of the libraries will be included in the near future to eliminate
any possible source of confusion.
Downloads
To download the application go to the
Loc4J
sourceforge project page. Access the files section to see all
files available to date. The latest package release is version
1.0.2.
Packages for download are available in a number of formats:
-
7-Zip(.7z): 7-zip archive (Linux, Windows)
-
Bzipped(tar.bz2): tar bzip2 archive (mostly UNIX/Linux, some
MS applications can work with this, Mac?)
-
Gzipped(tar.gz): tar gzipped (mostly UNIX/Linux, works with
some MS applications and with Mac OS)
-
Zip(.zip): zip archive (most platforms; MS, Mac, UNIX/Linux,
etc.)
Technical Support
Community support can be obtained by joining the
Loc4J developer's mailing listed.
Bugs and RFE can be submitted in the usual manner through the
Loc4J
project page.
Paticipation
The Loc4J project is always on the look out for contributors.
If you are interested, please contact one of the project managers:
Comments and suggestions are welcome. It would also be nice to
hear about applications that use the library.
License
Loc4J is copyright Cristian Romanescu et al. and is open source
software released under the
GNU LGPL license.
This software is OSI Certified Open Source Software. OSI
Certified is a certification mark of the Open Source Initiative.
Disclaimer
All software, documentation, and images related to this project
are copyright of their respective holders. Please refer to the
copyright notices that accompany the application, or any part
thereof, for more information. The project and any of its members
are not responsible for any consequences that could result from
use of said software, documentation, or the contributions that
have been or will be made to the project.
