Python Library Reference

6.28 gettext -- Multilingual internationalization services

The gettext module provides internationalization (I18N) and localization (L10N) services for your Python modules and applications. It supports both the GNU gettext message catalog API and a higher level, class-based API that may be more appropriate for Python files. The interface described below allows you to write your module and application messages in one natural language, and provide a catalog of translated messages for running under different natural languages.

Some hints on localizing your Python modules and applications are also given.

• 6.28.1 GNU gettext API
• 6.28.2 Class-based API
  • 6.28.2.1 The NullTranslations class
  • 6.28.2.2 The GNUTranslations class
  • 6.28.2.3 Solaris message catalog support
  • 6.28.2.4 The Catalog constructor
• 6.28.3 Internationalizing your programs and modules
  • 6.28.3.1 Localizing your module
  • 6.28.3.2 Localizing your application
  • 6.28.3.3 Changing languages on the fly
  • 6.28.3.4 Deferred translations
  • 6.28.3.5 gettext() vs. lgettext()
• 6.28.4 Acknowledgements

Python Library Reference

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Release 2.4c1, documentation updated on 18 November 2004.