How do I dynamically generate CodeIgniter language files from a database?

Passing Database Data to CodeIgniter Language Files

In developing a multi-language website with CodeIgniter, integrating database content into language files becomes crucial. This can be achieved by creating and populating a database table with translation information, and then using a controller function to dynamically generate language files based on the database data.

1. Database Design

Create a table named lang_token with the following columns:

• id (primary key)
• category (category of the translation)
• description (brief description of the translation)
• lang (ISO language code)
• token (the actual translation)

Populate the table with translation data.

2. CodeIgniter Language File Structure

Language files in CodeIgniter should be stored in folders within the application/language directory. Each language folder should contain a PHP file with the structure:

<code class="php"><?php  if ( ! defined('BASEPATH')) exit('No direct script access allowed');

/**
*
* Created:  <timestamp> by <author>
*
* Description:  <Language Name> language file for <category>
*
*/

$lang = array(
    '<category>_noMail' => 'You must submit a valid email address',
    '<category>_noUser' => 'You must submit a username'
);</code>

Where:

• is a prefix for the translation category, e.g. error for error messages.
• is the description of the translation, e.g. noMail.
• value is the actual translation, e.g. You must submit a valid email address.

3. Controller Function to Generate Language Files

Create a controller function that retrieves translation data from the database and generates language files on the fly. This function should:

• Query the lang_token table for translations in a specific language.
• Construct a PHP language file string based on the query results.
• Write the language file to the application's language directory.

<code class="php">function updatelangfile($my_lang) {
    $this->db->where('lang',$my_lang);
    $query = $this->db->get('lang_token');

    $lang = array();
    $langstr = "<?php  if ( ! defined('BASEPATH')) exit('No direct script access allowed');\n\n\n";

    foreach ($query->result() as $row) {
        $langstr .= "$lang['{$row->category}_{$row->description}'] = \"{$row->token}\";\n";
    }

    write_file('./application/language/' . $my_lang . '/general_lang.php', $langstr);
}</code>

4. Calling the Controller Function

To generate language files dynamically, call the updatelangfile function whenever database changes are made, e.g.:

<code class="php">function updateLanguages() {
    $this->updatelangfile('english');
}</code>

5. Using the Language Files

Your application can now load and use the dynamically generated language files using the load method of the language class, e.g.:

<code class="php">$this->lang->load('general', 'english');</code>

By following these steps, you can seamlessly integrate database content into your CodeIgniter language files, enabling localization of your website.

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