Scan rules, also known as scanning rules, are a set of predefined or custom-defined rules used in the context of internationalization (i18n) and localization processes. These rules are applied during the scanning or parsing phase of software or content to identify and extract translatable strings or other elements for localization.
Scan rules define patterns or criteria to recognize specific types of content within the source code, such as strings, UI labels, error messages, date and time formats, or any other textual or contextual elements that require localization. They help automate the process of identifying and extracting the relevant content, making it easier for localization teams to work with the extracted strings.
Scan rules can be configured to handle various scenarios and programming languages, allowing flexibility in recognizing different types of translatable content. They may leverage regular expressions, string patterns, or other parsing techniques to identify and extract the content accurately.
Custom scan rules can be created to address specific requirements or patterns within an application. For example, if your application uses a custom syntax or markup for localization, you can define scan rules to handle those specific patterns and extract the translatable content accordingly.
In the context of localization management tools like Localyzer, scan rules play a crucial role in the string extraction process. These tools provide a way to define and manage scan rules, allowing you to tailor the extraction process to your application’s specific needs. By configuring the appropriate scan rules, you can ensure the tool accurately identifies and extracts the translatable content from your source code.
Scan rules help streamline the localization process by automating the identification and extraction of translatable strings, reducing manual effort and the risk of missing content. They contribute to the efficiency and accuracy of the i18n and localization workflows by ensuring that the relevant content is captured for translation.
It’s important to review and maintain scan rules as your application evolves, especially when new features or changes are introduced, to ensure that the extraction process remains effective and up to date with the evolving source code.