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Translation System

The translation system is the internationalization mechanism of the Alia language, supporting the translation of keywords and objects into different natural languages or keyword systems.

1. Defining Translations​

Syntax​

@translateAlias <String targetLanguage> <Keys GeneralKeywords> -> <Keys SpecificLanguageKeywords>
@translateClass <String targetLanguage> <Key ObjectName> <Array ObjectKeys> -> <Key newObjectName> <Array newObjectKeys>
@language <String targetLanguage>
@clearLanguage

@translateClass only registers the mapping of the first member name inside the square brackets (e.g. [加入] mapping to [push]); the class name itself is not translated.

Functionality​

KeywordFunction
@translateAliasTranslates general keywords into the keywords of a specific language
@translateClassRegisters a mapping from object member names in a specific language to general member names, effective only after . member access
@languageSets the keyword system in use (additive; multiple language paradigms can be enabled simultaneously)
@clearLanguageRestores keywords to the default "Default"

Scope​

  • When @language is declared at the top of a file, it applies to the entire file
  • When @language is declared inside a Stack, it applies to its context

Additive languages​

@language supports additive settings, allowing multiple language paradigms to be enabled simultaneously:

@translateAlias '中文(简体)' print <Value val> -> 输出 <Value val>
@translateAlias 'VarStyle' let <Key name> = <Value val> -> var <Key name> = <Value val>

@language '中文(简体)'
@language 'VarStyle'
~ Chinese and VarStyle keywords can now be used together
输出 '你好'
var count = 1

Translations are applied in declaration order; languages declared later are matched with higher priority.

2. Usage Example​

Translation directives take effect at the parsing stage and must be declared before the code that uses them:

~ Define and enable Chinese keywords
@translateAlias '中文(简体)' let <Key name> = <Value val> -> 使 <Key name> 为 <Value val>
@translateAlias '中文(简体)' new <Key obj> ( <Code args> ) -> 新的 <Key obj> ( <Code args> )
@translateAlias '中文(简体)' print <Value val> -> 打印 <Value val>
@translateClass '中文(简体)' Array [push] -> 列表 [加入]

@language '中文(简体)'

使 示例列表 为 新的 Array []
示例列表.加入 '你好，世界！'
打印 示例列表[0]

3. Supported Translation Types​

Mainstream natural languages​

  • AI can be used for initial translations
  • Official community-assisted translation is open
  • Standard English is provided (natural-language English)

Other keyword systems​

Supported through independent community development, for example:

  • Classical Chinese
  • Kana Japanese
  • Emoji
  • Chinese pinyin
  • Abbreviated keywords for various languages
  • Constructed languages
  • Keywords styled after other programming languages
  • Internet slang
  • Dialects

4. Maintenance Model​

MaintainerResponsibilities
OfficialDirectly maintains the general keywords; maintains mainstream natural language bindings with community assistance
CommunityIndependently collaborates and freely uploads any translation modules to the module repository; may write translation modules for any other modules
ProjectsMay independently maintain multiple sets of their own official translations

5. Project Integration​

ScenarioBehavior
Uploading a project with translationsAutomatically converted to the standard general keywords
Loading an online moduleAutomatically converted to the language declared in the project's config.json
Updating a translation packageFirst converted to general keywords, then to the new version's specific translation

6. The Purpose of the Translation System​

  1. Optimized development experience: lets developers write programs in a familiar language environment without affecting the program's readability
  2. Reduced migration cost: helps newcomers quickly get started with Alia under keyword systems they already know (such as Python)
  3. Beginner-friendly: lets beginners quickly learn and understand Alia's programming approach in their native language

7. Example Code​

~ Comprehensive translation system example

~ 1. Define multi-language translations
@translateAlias '中文(简体)' if <Boolean condition> <Stack stack> -> 如果 <Boolean condition> <Stack stack>
@translateAlias '中文(简体)' else <Stack stack> -> 否则 <Stack stack>
@translateAlias '中文(简体)' let <Key name> = <Value val> -> 设 <Key name> 为 <Value val>
@translateAlias '中文(简体)' print <Value val> -> 输出 <Value val>
@translateAlias '中文(简体)' == -> 等于
@translateClass '中文(简体)' Array [push] -> 列表 [加入]

~ 2. Enable Chinese keywords
@language '中文(简体)'

设 计数 为 0
如果 计数 等于 0 {
  输出 '计数为零'
} 否则 {
  输出 '计数非零'
}
设 列表 为 []
列表.加入 '第一项'
输出 列表[0]

~ 3. Switch back to the general keywords
@clearLanguage
let count = 0
for { let i = 0 } i < 3 { i ++ } {
  print i
  count ++
}

~ 4. Additive language example
@translateAlias 'VarStyle' let <Key name> = <Value val> -> var <Key name> = <Value val>
@language '中文(简体)'
@language 'VarStyle'
~ Chinese and VarStyle-style keywords can now be mixed

Next Steps​