Open PO File
PO files, or Portable Object files, are a type of file used in the process of translating software into different human-readable languages. These files are essentially text files that contain both the original language and the translated language for software applications. They are most commonly associated with gettext, a common internationalization and localization system in open source software. More info about gettext can be found on GNU gettext utilities website at https://www.gnu.org/software/gettext/manual/gettext.html.
Opening and Using PO Files
In order to open and use PO files, you need a specific tool that can interact with gettext. For Windows users, one of the most popular PO file editors is Poedit. Poedit offers a friendly and efficient way to create and manage gettext catalogs,. You can download it and find more information at https://poedit.net/.
For Linux or macOS users, a good choice is Lokalize, which is a more advanced editor and provides many more features for software localization. Lokalize's website is https://apps.kde.org/lokalize/.
Creating PO Files
Apart from opening existing PO files, you can also create new PO files for translation purposes. Poedit, as well as other software like Lokalize, provides a straightforward way to create new files. Creating a new PO file typically involves specifying the source language and the language to translate to, then adding in the source text and its translation.
PO File Important Information
While working with PO files provides a convenient and effective means for software translation and localization, its important to handle them carefully to ensure accurate and consistent translations. Often, specialized tools provide a reliable environment to ensure no errors or lapses in translation occur.
It's also crucial to remember that these files should be saved with the '.po' extension and in a plain text format to ensure maximum compatibility. As simple text files, they may get corrupted if special formatting or unusual characters are inserted.
Its equally important to update PO files regularly along with the software programs they translate. With every new version of the software, there can be new strings that need translation. The new strings should be added in the PO file in the source language and then translated accordingly.
More comprehensive details about PO files' syntax, plural forms and headers can be obtained from GNU gettext utilities manual at https://www.gnu.org/software/gettext/manual/html_node/PO-Files.html.