MULTILIZER

Delphi 2005

Delphi 2005 includes three compilers; Delphi compiler, Delphi .NET compiler, and C#Builder compiler. The first one compiles Win 32bit executables, and the two latter ones .NET assemblies.

The localization architecture of Win32bit applications is based on creating resource dll's; for each language there is a resource-only DLL that contains the localized strings and resources. The VCL takes care of loading the correct resource DLL at program startup.

The localization architecture of .NET assemblies is based on satellite assemblies. .NET Framework takes care of loading the correct satellite assembly, thus showing the software in correct language.

How does Multilizer localize applications developed with Delphi2005

The options for localizing an application depends on whether to localize a Win32bit or .NET application; in both cases there are many ways of localizing the application.

Localization of Win32bit applications; Multilizer localizes the EXE directly (binary localization). Creating resource DLL's is the preferred method.

Localization of .NET assemblies; User specfies either project(group) location or assembly location. The output is either localized ResX resource files or satellite assemblies. Binary localization is the preferred method.

Localization of Win32bit applications

Win32bit applications developed with Delphi2005 are localized by using binary localization.

Multilizer reads in the localizable forms and strings from the executable.

User can choose between three different output formats:
1) Resource DLLs; one resourec-only dll per language.
2) Localized EXEs; one EXE per language.
3) Multilanguage EXE; all languages in a single executable.

Localization of .NET assemblies

There are two ways of localizing .NET applications developed with Delphi2005:

1) On localizing ResX files Multilizer can read (c) individual ResX files, (b) ResX files of a project, or (a) ResX files of a project group. Multilizer writes out either (A) localized ResX files or (B) compiled satellite assemblies.

2) On localizing a .NET assemblis Multilizer reads the compiled resources from the assembly and writes out (compiled) satellite assemblies.

Multilizer localization API

The resource DLL approach offers more customization than other ways of localizing Delphi/C++Builder applications. Using the localization API of Multilizer developers can for example implement the following functionality:

Change language on run-time

Start the software in desired language

Dcalc sample shows to source code for doing abovementioned tasks.