How Can I Dynamically Generate CodeIgniter Language Files from a Database?

Generating Codeigniter Language Files from Database

Introduction

Multi-language websites present a challenge when it comes to managing language content. This article explores a method to dynamically create Codeigniter language files from a database, allowing you to update translations directly from the database and populate your language files on the fly.

Database Layout

Create a table called lang_token to store the translation data:

<code class="sql">CREATE TABLE lang_token (
    id INT NOT NULL AUTO_INCREMENT,
    category TEXT NOT NULL,
    description TEXT NOT NULL,
    lang TEXT NOT NULL,
    token TEXT NOT NULL,
    PRIMARY KEY (id)
);</code>

Codeigniter Language Files

• Each language is stored in a separate folder in the application/language directory, such as application/language/english.
• Language file structure: $lang['category_description'] = "token";

Controller Function

Create a controller function to generate the language file:

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

    $langstr = "<?php 
    $lang = array();
    ";

    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>

Usage

• Call the function to generate the language file whenever the database changes: updatelangfile('english').
• Load the file helper and language class:

<code class="php">function __construct() {
    parent::__construct();
    $this->load->helper('file');
    $this->lang->load('general', 'english');
}</code>

Conclusion

By utilizing this method, you can seamlessly manage language content for your website from a central database, simplifying translation updates and ensuring consistency across language versions.

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