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String Localization

LITIENGINE provides built-in support for string localization, allowing you to create multi-language games.

How Localization Works

  1. Create properties files for each language (strings_en.properties, strings_de.properties)
  2. Access strings via Resources.strings().get("key")
  3. Engine selects appropriate file based on locale

Creating Language Files

Default Language (strings.properties)

game.title=My Game
menu.start=Start Game
menu.settings=Settings
menu.quit=Quit
enemy.goblin=Goblin
item.sword=Iron Sword

German (strings_de.properties)

game.title=Mein Spiel
menu.start=Spiel starten
menu.settings=Einstellungen
menu.quit=Beenden
enemy.goblin=Goblin
item.sword=Eisenschwert

Loading Strings

// Get localized string
String title = Resources.strings().get("game.title");
String startText = Resources.strings().get("menu.start");

// Use in UI
Button startButton = new Button(Resources.strings().get("menu.start"));

Setting Locale

// Set locale before loading resources
Locale.setDefault(Locale.GERMAN);

// Or configure in code
Resources.strings().setLocale(Locale.FRENCH);

Fallback Behavior

If a key is missing in the current locale, the engine falls back to the default strings.properties file.

Best Practices

  1. Use consistent key naming: category.subcategory.item
  2. Keep default file complete: All keys should exist in strings.properties
  3. Don't concatenate strings: Avoid "Hello " + name (word order varies by language)

See Also