Spreadsheet Based Localization
Spreadsheet Based Localization is a methodology for managing and translating software text content using spreadsheet files (like Excel or Google Sheets) as the central repository for localization data. It involves storing source strings, translations, and metadata in structured spreadsheet columns, which are then exported to various file formats for integration into applications. This approach simplifies the localization workflow by leveraging familiar spreadsheet tools for collaboration between developers, translators, and project managers.
Developers should use this methodology when building multilingual applications that require frequent updates to text content, as it provides a user-friendly, non-technical interface for translators to work with. It's particularly useful in agile development environments where content changes often, as it allows for easy versioning and collaboration without deep technical expertise. Common use cases include mobile apps, websites, and software with dynamic content that needs to be localized into multiple languages efficiently.