Hello everyone,
As most of us know, we have many outdated translations... so let's
discuss it:
A) Critically old files:
Many translations contain critically old files that should be either
updated or offline. Some ideas that deal with these are:
- Have the build system either not build/show them, or insert huge
warnings (for users)
- Add revcheck[1] tools that list all critically outdated files (for
translators)
- Better define what it means to be critically old (for all)
B) File ownership:
Translators typically insert maintainer information within each file.
If a translator suddenly becomes inactive, these files essentially
become unmaintained yet remain owned. I don't know the extent of this
problem but can only assume it causes delays. Should we worry about
allowing active translators to update any file... especially for
critically old files? They (some) do anyways but let's make something
official.
C) Attracting new translators:
Once the new build system is online, the setup required to build/test
the manual will be much easier. From here we'll actively find
additional doc team members, including translators. The new
translators will rejuvenate the doc-{lang} lists so then the old
translators (who still subscribe) will wake up. PHP is kind of a big
deal, we can find volunteers. And in the future "The Tool" will allow
easy patch creation via the online manual.
D) Outdated translations:
We have several translations that haven't [really] been updated for
years, and it goes without saying that this is bad for everyone so
let's make a plan. Here's one, let's discuss it:
1. Designate the deadest of the dead as INACTIVE_LANGUAGES via
phpweb. ~18 of them. This means they won't show up via the select box
at php.net, nor be selectable via my.php.
2. Write each list (doc-{lang}) asking if anyone out there is
listening. If so, discuss the translation.
3. Alter the php.net 404 handler to work with missing languages, so
ar/manual/foo.php --> en/manual/foo.php
4. Implement PhD to build active languages for mirrors rsync. Based
on INACTIVE_LANGUAGES from phpweb/includes/languages.inc.
5. Implement PhD to build all languages, active and inactive, for
docs.php.net.
6. Remove all dead/old/non-phd manuals. For example, kr/manual is
from 2004. Currently some translations (even en/ within them) are not
being updated/built.
7. Look for new translators, and further discuss the translation
process.
Thoughts?
Regards,
Philip
[1] http://doc.php.net/php/revcheck.php
