- How do I install ufirst/lang-import-export in a Laravel app?
- Install it with Composer as ufirst/lang-import-export and let Laravel package auto-discovery register the service provider. Then verify the published configuration and available Artisan commands with php artisan list. Pin the package version and check its Composer constraints against your Laravel and PHP versions before using it in production.
- What Artisan commands does this Laravel language import export package provide?
- The package provides Artisan commands to export language files to CSV and import CSV back into language files. The overview describes a CSV bridge for PHP and JSON language files, with configurable paths. Run php artisan list after installation to see the exact command names and options for your pinned version.
- Does ufirst/lang-import-export handle nested translation keys and pluralization?
- Nested keys and pluralization are key validation concerns for this package and should not be assumed to round-trip cleanly. The evaluation specifically recommends testing flattening, pluralization, and representative locale files before relying on imports. Run an export-only spike and a branch-based round-trip test to confirm behavior for your translation structure.
- Are imports additive or destructive, and can they overwrite existing translations?
- The provided context does not document precise overwrite semantics, so treat imports as potentially destructive until verified. Malformed CSV or partial imports can overwrite or corrupt translations, so use version control, backups, and branch-based imports. Test with a non-critical locale first and review diffs before committing imported language files.
- Is there a dry-run or validation mode for safer imports?
- A dry-run or validation mode is not documented in the provided overview, so check the command help and source for your pinned version. If none exists, mitigate risk with backups, a sandbox locale, sample CSV validation, and automated diff checks. Keep imports on a branch so rollback is straightforward.
- What CSV schema and encoding does the package expect?
- The exact CSV schema, delimiter, and encoding are not specified in the provided context and must be verified from the package README or source. CSV encoding and escaping issues are called out as technical risks, especially for non-ASCII text. Validate exports against existing language files and test import round-trips before using real translator output.
- Does it work with JSON translation files and vendor package translations?
- The package is described as handling PHP and JSON language files, making it suitable for conventional app localization stored in lang or resources/lang directories. It is a poor fit for vendor JSON translation workflows or database-driven localization. Test vendor and package translation paths separately, since the evaluation flags those workflows as outside its sweet spot.
- Which Laravel and PHP versions are supported by ufirst/lang-import-export?
- The exact Laravel and PHP version constraints are not listed in the provided context, so check the package composer.json and Packagist metadata. Feasibility depends on validating those constraints and command behavior against your target application. Pin the package version and confirm auto-discovery before adding it to a localization release process.
- Is ufirst/lang-import-export actively maintained and tested in CI?
- The provided evaluation does not confirm CI coverage or a maintenance cadence, and it describes maturity risk as high for this small utility. With 41 stars and zero dependents, treat it as a pilot utility rather than a proven platform component. Review the repository activity and tests, assign an internal owner, and budget a fork path if upgrades block you.
- Is this a good alternative to a translation management system for Laravel?
- It is a lightweight CSV import/export bridge for file-based Laravel translations, not a full translation management system. It can reduce spreadsheet-to-PHP-file handoff toil for a monolith or small modular Laravel estate with manual translation workflows. For database-driven localization, high locale volume, concurrency, or vendor JSON workflows, use a proper TMS or database-backed localization solution instead.