Roo Translation

CoStrict Translation Skill

When to Use This Skill

Use this skill when the task involves:

• Adding new translatable strings to the CoStrict extension
• Translating existing strings to new languages
• Updating or fixing translations in existing language files
• Understanding i18n patterns used in the codebase
• Working with localization files in either core extension or WebView UI

When NOT to Use This Skill

Do NOT use this skill when:

• Working on non-translation code changes
• The task doesn't involve i18n or localization
• You're only reading translation files for reference without modifying them

Supported Languages and Locations

Localize all strings into the following locale files: ca, de, en, es, fr, hi, id, it, ja, ko, nl, pl, pt-BR, ru, tr, vi, zh-CN, zh-TW

The VSCode extension has two main areas that require localization:

Brand Voice, Tone, and Word Choice

For detailed brand voice, tone, and word choice guidance, refer to the guidance file:

• .roo/guidance/roo-translator.md

This guidance file is loaded at runtime and should be consulted for the latest brand and style standards.

Voice, Style and Tone Guidelines

• Always use informal speech (e.g., "du" instead of "Sie" in German) for all translations
• Maintain a direct and concise style that mirrors the tone of the original text
• Carefully account for colloquialisms and idiomatic expressions in both source and target languages
• Aim for culturally relevant and meaningful translations rather than literal translations
• Preserve the personality and voice of the original content
• Use natural-sounding language that feels native to speakers of the target language

Terms to Keep in English

• Don't translate the word "token" as it means something specific in English that all languages will understand
• Don't translate domain-specific words (especially technical terms like "Prompt") that are commonly used in English in the target language

Core Extension Localization (src/)

• Located in src/i18n/locales/
• NOT ALL strings in core source need internationalization - only user-facing messages
• Internal error messages, debugging logs, and developer-facing messages should remain in English
• The t() function is used with namespaces like 'core:errors.missingToolParameter'
• Be careful when modifying interpolation variables; they must remain consistent across all translations
• Some strings in formatResponse.ts are intentionally not internationalized since they're internal
• When updating strings in core.json, maintain all existing interpolation variables
• Check string usages in the codebase before making changes to ensure you're not breaking functionality

WebView UI Localization (webview-ui/src/)

• Located in webview-ui/src/i18n/locales/
• Uses standard React i18next patterns with the useTranslation hook
• All user interface strings should be internationalized
• Always use the Trans component with named components for text with embedded components

Trans Component Example

Translation string:

"changeSettings": "You can always change this at the bottom of the <settingsLink>settings</settingsLink>"

React component usage:

<Trans
	i18nKey="welcome:telemetry.changeSettings"
	components={{
		settingsLink: <VSCodeLink href="#" onClick={handleOpenSettings} />,
	}}
/>

Technical Implementation

• Use namespaces to organize translations logically
• Handle pluralization using i18next's built-in capabilities
• Implement proper interpolation for variables using {{variable}} syntax
• Don't include defaultValue. The en translations are the fallback
• Always use apply_diff instead of write_to_file when editing existing translation files (much faster and more reliable)
• When using apply_diff, carefully identify the exact JSON structure to edit to avoid syntax errors
• Placeholders (like {{variable}}) must remain exactly identical to the English source to maintain code integration and prevent syntax errors