How to Create Language Variables in Joomla 5

Language variables in Joomla 5 are used to store and manage text strings that are displayed on the front-end of your website. These variables are essential for making your website multilingual and allowing you to translate content into different languages. In this post, we learn how to create language variables in Joomla 5

Here are some key points about language variables in Joomla 5:

• Location: Language variables are stored in language files, which are typically located in the language directory of your Joomla installation.
• Structure: Each language file contains a list of language variables, each with a unique identifier and a corresponding value. The identifier is used to reference the variable in your templates and modules.
• Translation: To translate your website into a different language, you create a new language file for that language and translate the values of the language variables.
• Use in Templates and Modules: You can use language variables in your templates and modules by using the JText::_() function. For example:

<?php
echo JText::_('COM_MYCOMPONENT_LABEL');
?>

This code will output the value of the language variable with the identifier COM_MYCOMPONENT_LABEL.

Important Points:

Joomla 5 also supports language packs, which are pre-translated sets of language files for different languages. You can install language packs from the Joomla Extensions Directory.

You can create your own language files and language variables using a text editor.

It is recommended to use a consistent naming convention for your language variables to make them easier to manage.

How to Create Language Variables in Joomla 5

There are the following 4 steps to create language variables in Joomla 5 –

• Find the Language File:
  • The language file is normally located in the language folder in the root directory.
  • Navigate to the directory corresponding to the language you want to edit (e.g., en-GB for British English).

• Open the Language File:
  • Use a text editor like Notepad++, Sublime Text, or Visual Studio Code to open the language file.

• Add a New Language Variable:

  • At the end of the file, add a new line with the following format:

JText::_('YOUR_LANGUAGE_VARIABLE_ID') => 'Your Text Here',

• • Replace YOUR_LANGUAGE_VARIABLE_ID with a unique identifier for your language variable. This identifier should be descriptive and follow a consistent naming convention.
  • Replace Your Text Here with the actual text you want to display.

• Save the File:

  • Save the modified language file

Example: Create Language Variables in Templates and Modules:

To use a language variable in your templates or modules, you can use the JText::_ function. For example:

<?php echo JText::_('MOD_MYMODULE_TITLE'); ?>

This will output the translated text “My Module” based on the current language settings.