Externalized string

An externalized string is a piece of text stored outside the core codebase, usually in a resource file or localization file, that enables app developers to maintain translations. This separation allows developers and localization teams to manage, translate, and update text without touching the code itself. It’s a basic requirement for internationalizing software or digital products.

When strings are hard-coded directly into the application, they cannot be detected or processed by translation tools. Externalizing them makes it possible to feed content into translation workflows, apply translation memory, and reuse strings across different parts of the app.

String externalization is one of the first steps in making a product ready for international audiences. It makes collaboration between developers and translators much easier, reduces the risk of introducing bugs during translation, and supports content consistency across languages and platforms.

📂 Benefits of externalized strings #️⃣

• Make content available for translation.
• Keep source code clean and easier to maintain.
• Support translation memory and consistency.
• Prevent hard-coded text from blocking localization.
• Allow content updates without redeploying the app.

Without externalized strings, localization tools can’t do their job. Treating text as data, rather than as part of the code, gives teams the option to work with it and translate it into the target languages needed.