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Computer-Assisted Translation Tools
The Translator’s Tool Box - © International Writers’ Group, LLC 325
All of the tools come in several editions that have radically different price tags,
and many of the above-listed abilities are sold as separate plug-ins. Typically
there is a (free) translator edition that excludes some of the more
development-oriented functionality, and a developer or localizer edition that
contains all the functionality.
When these tools were first released, software developers across the board
became nervous. They were afraid that a new development-oriented tool
would likely cause problems—as most of us know, developers feel quite
protective of their "baby," the software. At this point, however, it’s clear that
these fears are completely unwarranted. Unless software does not follow any
of the supported development standards it’s not only safe to use a software
localization tool, it’s silly not to—and a great waste of money, time, and
energy to boot
Localization of Text-Based Files
One kind of text-based localization development format that often needs to be
translated (especially for computer programs that were developed a number
of years ago) are RC files, the result of a decompiled EXE or DLL file (see page
322). It would be possible to translate RC files in a text editor (and that’s true
for any of the file types in this section), but it is not advisable to do that
because a) you will most likely overlook text that needs to be translated, b)
you may overwrite code where that should not happen, and c) there is just no
reason not to use your translation memory for this. In fact, software files are
rarely translated on their own. Typically they are translated as a precursor to
accompanying documentation—documentation that will be using references to
the translated software over and over again—an ideal scenario for the use of
translation environment technology!
Many TEnTs—especially those of the first generation—support the translation
of RC files, including Déjà Vu, Star Transit, Across and Trados.
A number of "mainstream" translation environment tools, among them
Transit NXT and Across, also support the direct editing of binary file formats.
