All-in-One Localization Made Easy: Installing and Configuring the i18n-ally Extension in VSCode

Alex
4 min readJun 24, 2023

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Unlock the Power of Localization with i18n-ally

Do you find yourself struggling with managing translations for your projects? Are you tired of constantly switching between tools and losing precious development time? Look no further! In this article, we will delve into the world of i18n (internationalization) and unveil the secrets of the highly acclaimed VSCode extension, i18n-ally. With its seamless integration, powerful features, and extensive framework support, i18n-ally emerges as the ultimate all-in-one solution for translation management, right from within your favorite code editor.

Internationalization — source

🌟 Why Choose i18n-ally? Discover the All-in-One i18n Extension for VSCode

Developed by Lokalise, the i18n-ally extension aims to revolutionize the way developers handle localization. Here’s why you should consider embracing i18n-ally for your next project:

1️⃣ Streamlined Integration

Say goodbye to the hassle of switching between tools. i18n-ally seamlessly integrates with Visual Studio Code, empowering you to manage translations without ever leaving your code editor.

2️⃣ Comprehensive Solution

i18n-ally offers a wide array of features, making it a one-stop solution for all your translation management needs. From inline annotations and multi-root workspace support to linked locale messages, i18n-ally has you covered.

3️⃣ Unmatched Framework Support

Regardless of your project’s framework, i18n-ally has your back. With support for popular frameworks like Next.js and many more, you can confidently localize your applications, no matter the technology stack.

💻 Installation Made Simple: Let’s Get Started

To begin harnessing the power of i18n-ally, follow these simple steps to install the extension in your Visual Studio Code environment:

  1. Launch Visual Studio Code.
  2. Open the Extensions view by clicking on the square icon on the left sidebar or using the shortcut Ctrl+Shift+X (Windows/Linux) or Cmd+Shift+X (macOS).
  3. Search for “i18n-ally” in the Extensions view search bar.
  4. Click on the “Install” button next to the “i18n-ally” extension by Lokalise.
  5. After the installation completes, click on the “Reload” button to activate the extension.

🔧 Configuration: Tailoring i18n-ally to Your Project

With i18n-ally installed, it’s time to configure it according to your project’s needs. Let’s dive into the configuration process:

  1. Open your project in Visual Studio Code.
  2. Navigate to the .vscode directory at the root of your project. If it doesn't exist, create a new directory called .vscode.
  3. Inside the .vscode directory, create a new file called settings.json if it doesn't already exist.
  4. Open the settings.json file and add the following configuration:
{
"i18n-ally.localesPaths": ["path/to/locales"]
}

Replace "path/to/locales" with the actual path to your project's locale files.

💡 Pro Tip: The i18n-ally.localesPaths configuration allows specifying multiple locations for your translation files, enabling flexibility for complex projects with multiple locales.

Now save the settings.json file.

🎉 Unlocking the Power of i18n-ally: Features and Usage

Now that i18n-ally is installed and configured, let’s explore some of its key features and discover how to make the most out of this incredible extension:

1️⃣ Inline Annotations

i18n-ally makes it effortless to spot translatable strings directly within your code. Enjoy the convenience of visual cues and quickly identify text that requires translation.

2️⃣ Translation List

Manage and monitor translations effortlessly with the Translation List. It provides an overview of all your translations, allowing you to edit, add, or remove translations without leaving your code.

3️⃣ Context-Aware Suggestions

Speed up your translation process with context-aware suggestions. i18n-ally analyzes your code and provides intelligent suggestions based on the context, enabling you to translate with precision and accuracy.

4️⃣ Linked Locale Messages

Simplify your translation workflow with linked locale messages. i18n-ally intelligently connects locale files, enabling you to maintain consistency across translations effortlessly.

📊 Empowering Your Development Process: Realizing the Benefits

By leveraging the power of i18n-ally, developers can unlock a multitude of benefits, including:

1️⃣ Improved Efficiency

With i18n-ally, streamline your translation management process directly within your code editor, saving valuable time and effort.

2️⃣ Enhanced Collaboration

Simplify collaboration with your translation team by utilizing i18n-ally’s translation list, allowing easy editing and synchronization of translations.

3️⃣ Framework Flexibility

Whether you’re working on a Next.js project or any other popular framework, i18n-ally adapts seamlessly, accommodating your project’s requirements effortlessly.

👉 Conclusion: Embrace i18n-ally for Seamless Localization

In the fast-paced world of software development, efficient localization is paramount. With the i18n-ally extension for Visual Studio Code, developers can transcend the barriers of translation management, offering a comprehensive solution with its array of features, framework support, and ease of use.

Start your localization journey today! Install i18n-ally, configure it to your project’s specifications, and unlock the power of seamless translation management within your code editor.

👏 If you found this article helpful, follow me on Medium.com for more insightful content and stay up to date with the latest developments in the world of localization and software engineering.

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Alex
Alex

Written by Alex

Senior Frontend Engineer 🌟 Proven track record launching web apps 🤖 ChatGPT enthusiast 🚀 React, Next.js, TypeScript 🎨 UI/UX expert 💼 Open to opportunities

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