Make a string translatable
==========================

If you introduce a new string in the source code that you would like to be
translated into different languages, you need to do 2 things:

1. Enclose the string in ``_()``
2. Upload a pot file to :ref:`Launchpad <label-launchpad>`

Example of enclosed string::

    print(_("Hello!"))

To generate a pot file, run ::

    python tools/generate-pot-file.py

It requires the ``xgettext`` program to be on the path. See :ref:`label-gettext`
for instructions how to install it.

You should now have a file::

    translations/timeline.pot

that contains an entry for your string looking something like this::

    #: source/timeline.py:58
    msgid "Hello!"
    msgstr ""

Upload this pot file to Launchpad using this form:
https://translations.launchpad.net/thetimelineproj/trunk/+translations-upload.
(It requires login.)

Now translators will see your new string and can translate it.