What is the %(long_package_name)s?

The %(long_package_name)s (or TP for short) aims to get the maintainers of free software packages, benevolent translators (why not you!), and users all together, so that computers and systems (like Linux or GNU) gradually become able to speak many languages. You may write to the TP coordinator.

You should find here various information about the %(long_package_name)s. This is still a young Web site, and text will be added according to the needs, as expressed by questions or comments from people.

Where to get information

Recipes for using internationalized software, as a user, may vary from package to package, yet as a mere rule of thumb, the ABOUT-NLS file often applies. This file is also distributed within packages where it is meaningful.

The pages for all the Language teams are listed separately; the team pages will offer contact information pointing to separate mailing lists and home pages.

Most files of the %(long_package_name)s are available individually at various places in the hierarchy of the Central PO file registry or nicely listed here by Textual domains. There are European mirrors for this PO file registry:

Software to use

If you are interested in discussions about translation related software consider to join the technical discussion list at http://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/translation-i18n resp. https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/translation-i18n; there is also an email interface to subscribing/unsubscribing, write a message with a subject of "help" to translation-i18n-request@lists.sourceforge.net. Problems localizing software packages, questions around the PO file format and tools helping the translator are on topic here.

The %(long_package_name)s does a great use of %(package_name)s, yet this should not be seen as an absolute pre-requirement for maintainers. The real goal is to favour the existence of translated programs, rather than being strict about a particular implementation of the translation mechanics. Nevertheless, given the choice, you are invited to use %(package_name)s. Version %(stable_version)s can be considered stable. You may download the latest copy. Please use the official version 0.11 or better, if available (February 2002). Avoid any version before 0.10.39; these older versions produce PO files or PO Template files in a format which the Translation Project is not able to handle without human intervention.

Miscellaneous issues

In 1999, François Pinard gave a presentation of the %(long_package_name)s in Japan.

The translation matrix is updated from time to time, but should not be considered as a definitive reference.