Question 1

How do I add multiple languages to my ASP.NET Core app?

Accepted Answer

Use the built-in localization services by configuring resource files (.resx) for each language, registering services in Startup.cs, and using IStringLocalizer in your views or controllers. Set the culture via middleware or user preferences to switch languages dynamically.

Question 2

What's the difference between ASP.NET Core localization and third-party libraries like ResXManager?

Accepted Answer

ASP.NET Core localization is integrated into the framework, offering basic abstractions and .resx support with dependency injection. ResXManager is a tool for managing .resx files visually but doesn't provide runtime services; they can be complementary, with ResXManager easing translation management.

Question 3

Can I use JSON files instead of .resx for localization in ASP.NET Core?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but it requires custom implementation. The default setup focuses on .resx files, so you'd need to create a custom IStringLocalizerFactory or resource provider to load JSON, which involves additional coding and configuration.

Question 4

How to change the current culture based on user preferences?

Accepted Answer

Implement middleware that reads culture from cookies, URL, or user settings, then set Thread.CurrentThread.CurrentCulture and CurrentUICulture. Use RequestLocalizationOptions in ConfigureServices to define supported cultures and fallbacks.

Question 5

Is there support for right-to-left languages in ASP.NET Core localization?

Accepted Answer

The localization abstractions handle text direction indirectly via culture settings, but for UI adjustments, you'll need to combine it with CSS or framework features. It doesn't provide built-in RTL layout management, so additional front-end work is required.

Question 6

What are the best practices for organizing resource files in large projects?

Accepted Answer

Structure resource files by feature or area, use naming conventions like ResourceName.resx and ResourceName.fr.resx, and consider shared resources for common strings. Avoid monolithic files to maintain scalability and ease of translation updates.

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