How do I set up custom pluralization rules in MiniI18n?

Define a lambda function in the pluralization_rules configuration for each locale, mapping counts to keys like 'zero' or 'few'. Then, include those keys in your translation YAML files, as demonstrated in the README's Spanish example for notifications.

MiniI18n vs the standard Ruby I18n gem: which is better?

Choose MiniI18n for lightweight, performance-focused projects with simple i18n needs and a minimal footprint. Opt for the I18n gem if you require advanced features, Rails integration, or a larger ecosystem with plugins and community support.

Can MiniI18n load translations from a database instead of files?

No, MiniI18n is designed to load translations only from YAML or JSON files into memory. For database-backed translations, you'd need to implement custom loading logic or consider a different library that supports dynamic sources.

What languages are supported out of the box for date and number formatting?

MiniI18n provides built-in localization for 11 languages: English, Spanish, French, German, Portuguese, Italian, Dutch, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, and Arabic. These include default formats for dates, times, and numbers following each language's conventions.

How to handle fallback locales in MiniI18n?

Enable fallbacks by setting config.fallbacks = true in the configuration; it defaults to the default_locale when a translation key is missing in the current locale, ensuring graceful degradation without errors.

Is MiniI18n suitable for large apps with thousands of translation keys?

While fast due to in-memory storage, loading all translations into memory can increase memory usage significantly for large sets. Consider the trade-off or look at libraries with lazy loading if memory is a concern.

Open-Awesome

mini_i18n

MITRuby

A minimalistic, fast, and flexible internationalization (i18n) library for Ruby applications.

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What is mini_i18n?

MiniI18n is a minimalistic and fast internationalization library for Ruby applications. It provides tools for translating text, handling pluralization, and localizing dates, times, and numbers, with a focus on simplicity and performance. It solves the problem of adding multilingual support to Ruby projects without the complexity or overhead of larger i18n solutions.

Target Audience

Ruby developers building web applications, APIs, or CLI tools that require multilingual support, especially those who prioritize lightweight dependencies and straightforward configuration.

Value Proposition

Developers choose MiniI18n for its minimal footprint, fast performance, and flexible API that mirrors the familiar I18n gem. Its support for custom pluralization rules, batch operations, and built-in localization for multiple languages makes it a practical alternative for projects needing efficient i18n capabilities.

Overview

🌐 Minimalistic and fast i18n library for Ruby

Use Cases

Best For

Adding multilingual support to lightweight Ruby web applications
Internationalizing Ruby APIs that serve content in multiple languages
Building CLI tools with localized user interfaces
Projects that need custom pluralization rules beyond standard English forms
Applications requiring fast, in-memory translation lookups
Replacing heavier i18n libraries in performance-sensitive Ruby environments

Not Ideal For

Applications requiring database-backed translations or real-time updates without server restarts
Projects needing built-in localization data for many languages beyond the 11 provided (e.g., less common locales)
Teams using Ruby on Rails who rely on the integrated I18n gem with Active Record and view helper support

Pros & Cons

Pros

Lightweight Performance

Loads translations into in-memory hashes from YAML/JSON files, ensuring fast lookups and minimal overhead compared to heavier i18n solutions.

Custom Pluralization Rules

Supports locale-specific pluralization logic with lambda functions, allowing complex rules like those for Slavic languages, as shown in the Spanish example with zero, few, many, and other keys.

Batch Operation Efficiency

Can translate arrays of keys or localize multiple objects in a single call, optimizing performance for bulk processing without repetitive loops.

Familiar API

Uses T() and L() helpers inspired by the standard I18n gem, making it easy for developers accustomed to Ruby i18n patterns to adopt quickly.

Cons

Limited Built-in Language Support

Only includes localization defaults for 11 common languages; projects targeting less common locales require manual configuration of all date, time, and number formats.

File-based Translation Storage

Translations are stored in static YAML or JSON files, lacking native support for dynamic sources like databases or APIs, which limits real-time updates.

Missing Advanced i18n Features

Does not support features such as gender-specific translations, context-aware keys, or integration with external translation management systems, making it barebones for complex needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

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