Reusable multi-language support facility

At one time, developing code for use in multiple languages was a labor-intensive and error-prone process.  This patent describes an automated facility to assist in translation of software intended for use in multiple native languages.

Using the tools then available, text strings in the programmers’ source code needed to be collected into a master string table, then each string translated into various customer languages, then each translation placed into the table, and the appropriate reference number put in the source code where the string was originally found.

To improve this process it was first necessary to recognize that the only part that truly requires human intervention is the translation.  Even with machine-assisted translation, domain-specific terms require that a human review the translations for correctness in their intended operational context.

This patent describes a system that automates interaction with the source code, so that programmers do not need to manually manage their application’s natural language strings.

Once the process is in place, the automation can be repeated, updating the master string table and adding any new entries discovered.