Generate L10n - VSCode Extension
Automate localization of Dart/Flutter projects using AI/LLMs directly from VSCode.
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Table of Contents
Overview
generate-l10n is a VSCode extension designed to simplify and automate the localization process for Dart/Flutter projects.
It leverages LLM models (like Mistral, OpenAI, Google) to update .dart files and amend .arb localization files.
The extension provides an interactive tree view, file selection, and direct integration with the flutter gen-l10n command.
Features
- Interactive tree view of Dart files under
/lib.
- Check/uncheck files to include in the localization process.
- Input API key for LLM provider.
- Supports multiple LLM providers and all their models.
- Automatically executes
flutter gen-l10n after processing.
- Full VSCode native UI integration (activity bar, command palette, tree view).
Installation
- Open VSCode.
- Navigate to the Extensions sidebar.
- Search for
generate-l10n.
- Click Install.
- Once installed, the L10n Generator icon appears in the activity bar.
No additional setup is required beyond the API key.
Usage
Open a Flutter/Dart project in VSCode.
Click the L10n Generator icon in the activity bar.
Expand the /lib folder tree to locate Dart files.
Check the files you want to process.
Press the Play ▶ button or run the command Process Selected Files from the command palette.
The extension will:
- Use the configured LLM to modify Dart/ARB files.
- Execute
flutter gen-l10n in a terminal.
- Notify you upon success or failure.
Configuration
Configure the extension via Settings or the configureExtension command:
| Setting |
Type |
Default |
Description |
generateL10n.provider |
string |
"mistral" |
LLM provider to use (openai, mistral, google) |
generateL10n.apiKey |
string |
"" |
API key for the selected provider |
generateL10n.model |
string |
"mistral-large-latest" |
LLM model used for processing |
generateL10n.backup |
boolean |
false |
Create backup files before modifying ARB and Flutter files |
generateL10n.packageName |
string |
"" |
Flutter project package name (auto-detected from pubspec.yaml) |
Note: The API key is required for the extension to function.
The model choice is crucial. Most of the tests were carried out using mistral-large-2411 and gemini-2.5-flash. Smaller or older models might not get the work done perfectly.
Auto-detection
The extension automatically detects your Flutter project name from pubspec.yaml when activated. If the packageName setting is empty, it will be populated automatically and stored in your workspace settings.
You can manually re-detect the project name emptying it in the config tab.
Commands
The extension registers the following commands:
| Command |
Description |
generateL10n.toggleCheck |
Toggle check state of a file in the tree view. |
generateL10n.processSelectedFiles |
Process all checked files using the configured AI provider/model. |
generateL10n.configureExtension |
Open extension settings for configuration. |
generateL10n.refreshView |
Refresh the tree view to reflect changes in the file system. |
All commands are accessible via the Command Palette (Ctrl+Shift+P / Cmd+Shift+P).
Tree View
- Displays the
/lib folder hierarchy.
- Directories appear collapsible; Dart files are checkable.
- Checked files are included in LLM processing.
- NOT automatically refreshes when files are added or removed. Please remember to press the refresh button.
- Excludes:
node_modules, .git, /lib/l10n.
Technical Details
- Written in TypeScript for VSCode extension API.
- Uses the
langgraph library for Dart/ARB file processing using LLM.
- Interacts with LLMs via provider APIs.
- Launches Flutter commands in a VSCode terminal.
- Fully modular: tree view, commands, and file processing separated for maintainability.
Troubleshooting
- No workspace open: Open a Flutter project folder in VSCode.
- Missing API key: Set it via Settings (
generateL10n.apiKey) or Configure Extension command.
- No files checked: Ensure you select at least one Dart file.
- Flutter gen-l10n fails: Verify Flutter SDK is installed and added to PATH.
Contributing
Contributions are welcome!
- Fork the repository.
- Implement changes in
src/.
- Test using
npm run test.
- Submit a Pull Request with detailed description.
License
MIT License © 2025
