Android Localization Helper

Assistant for Android localization. Automatically translates strings.xml and arrays.xml using various AI and translation services directly within VS Code.

Features

• Multi-Service Support:
  • OpenAI (ChatGPT)
  • Google Vertex AI (Gemini)
  • Microsoft Translator
  • Google Translate
  • DeepL
  • AWS Translate
• Smart Parsing: Reads strings.xml and preserves file structure/formatting as much as possible.
• Selective Translation: Choose specific strings to translate via a checkbox UI.
• Context Aware: Provide context/instructions to the AI (e.g., "Formal tone", "Medical app", "Max 10 chars") for better quality translations.
• Seamless Integration: accessible via Command Palette or Context Menu.

Installation

From VSIX

1. Download the .vsix file.
2. In VS Code, go to the Extensions view (Cmd+Shift+X or Ctrl+Shift+X).
3. Click the ... (Views and More Actions) menu at the top right of the Extensions view.
4. Select Install from VSIX....
5. Choose the android-localization-helper-x.x.x.vsix file.

User Manual

1. Open an Android Project

Open your Android project folder in VS Code. Navigate to your resource directory, typically app/src/main/res/values/.

2. Start Translation

You can start the translation process in two ways:

• Context Menu: Right-click on a strings.xml or arrays.xml file in the Explorer and select Translate Android Strings.
• Command Palette: Open the Command Palette (Cmd+Shift+P / Ctrl+Shift+P) and type Translate Android Strings.

3. Configure Translation

A Webview panel will open with the following configuration options:

• Translation Service: Select your preferred provider (OpenAI, Gemini, Microsoft, Google, DeepL, AWS).
• Model: (OpenAI/Gemini only) Select the specific model you wish to use (e.g., gpt-4o, gemini-1.5-flash).
• API Key: Enter your API key for the selected service.
  • Note for AWS: Enter credentials in the format ACCESS_KEY:SECRET_KEY:REGION.
• Target Language Code: Enter the ISO language code for the target language (e.g., es for Spanish, fr for French, zh for Chinese, de for German).
• Context / Instructions: (Optional) Add specific instructions for the AI.
  • Example: "Keep strings short for mobile buttons."
  • Example: "Use formal address."

4. Select Strings

The tool lists all translatable strings found in the file.

• Uncheck any strings you do not want to translate (e.g., app names, brand names).
• Use "Select All" / "Deselect All" buttons for quick selection.

5. Run Translation

Click the Translate button at the bottom.

• Progress will be displayed in the VS Code notification area.
• Upon completion, the extension will create or update the corresponding value folder (e.g., values-es/strings.xml).
• Existing translations in the target file are preserved if the key is not selected for re-translation.

Requirements

• VS Code version 1.80.0 or higher.
• Valid API Key for the selected translation service.

API Key Formats

• OpenAI: Standard API Key (sk-...)
• Gemini: Google AI Studio Key
• Microsoft: Azure Translator Key
• Google: Cloud Translation API Key
• DeepL: API Key (ending in :fx for free tier)
• AWS: ACCESS_KEY_ID:SECRET_ACCESS_KEY:REGION (e.g., AKIA...:secret...:us-east-1)

License

MIT