Frequently Asked Questions about Globalyzer
Below are answers to common questions about Globalyzer:
- How do I install Globalyzer?
- How long does it take to run Globalyzer?
- What results should I expect from running Globalyzer on my source code?
- Can Globalyzer help me build resource files and externalize strings from my source code?
- What technologies does Globalyzer support?
- How can I tell if I am using the correct method call for a supported locale?
- How thorough is Globalyzer in reviewing and modifying my code?
- Can I use Globalyzer with my standard IDE?
- How can Globalyzer support my SCM and QA batch processes?
- Why would I use Globalyzer versus my own scripts?
- Is Globalyzer automatically (automagically) fixing my code? Is Globalyzer adding anything proprietary?
- Will Globalyzer help me adapt my application to support Unicode?
- Can I use Globalyzer to look for issues in my code that have nothing to do with internationalization?
- How can Globalyzer be leveraged across my development enterprise?
- Do I have to submit my source code to the Globalyzer web site?
- How is Globalyzer licensed?
How do I install Globalyzer?
After you register on www.globalyzer.com, follow the link to download and install the Globalyzer client software. This is a pretty fast straightforward process. Remember, you cannot run either the Globalyzer desktop client or Command Line without first creating your account on the Globalyzer server and defining at least one ruleset.
If you have purchased an enterprise server license, we provide clear instruction on installing the server components, along with support.
How long does it take to run Globalyzer?
This depends on what you are searching for and how many lines of code you are searching through, as well as if you are optionally using an additional database for tracking results. Most Globalyzer scans can review over two million lines of code in about the amount of time it takes to get a cup of coffee.
For example for an initial scan: 2.3 million lines of code = 3 minutes, 37 seconds for C++, similar results for Java and C# on a 2.5 GHz dual core laptop.
With each release we are always finding little ways to improve performance, and we think you’ll find Globalyzer quite responsive, especially considering that in many cases it is searching on hundreds of internationalization issues simultaneously.
What results should I expect from running Globalyzer on my source code?
Globalyzer looks for four categories of internationalization issues:
- Embedded Strings: Strings that must be abstracted from your code for ease of translation
- Locale-limiting methods and functions(depending upon your programming language): Programmatic elements that may restrict character encoding (ISO-Latin or Unicode support), as well as cultural formatting, such as date/time support
- Embedded Images: Images need to be reviewed for cultural appropriateness and translation of string components within the image
- User-defined programmatic patterns: issues that are particular to your needs
Remember that in demo mode, Globalyzer will limit you to viewing the first 100 issues it detects.
Can Globalyzer help me build resource files and externalize strings from my source code?
Yes it can, and it will add great productivity to that long and tedious task. It is common for developers to be able to comfortably externalize 1,000 strings and more per day using Globalyzer. Globalyzer let’s you see the string within your code and manages the whole externalization process. It is customizable, giving the developer complete control while aiding productivity.
What technologies does Globalyzer support?
C#, Java, C/C++, VB, JavaScript, JSP, ASP, HTML, Delphi, SQL and more. We add additional programming languages at the request of our clients.
How can I tell if I am using the correct method call for a supported locale?
Globalyzer will provide you with information and direction for refactoring methods and functions, giving examples and cross references when appropriate. It’s probably the largest on-line internationalization help system existing anywhere.
How thorough is Globalyzer in reviewing and modifying my code?
It’s thorough, but some of the detection and filtering specificity is controlled by the user. Globalyzer allows for strong detection and filtering controls using regular expressions, as well as built in search management capabilities. The more you learn the controls the easier to pinpoint your results. With regard to modifying code, Globalyzer does allow for the editing of code, within its IDE, though it is not a replacement for a developer’s preferred IDE. Globalyzer helps you navigate right from reports to instances in your code that need externalization or refactoring. You can also choose to mark the issue with a comment for later review.
Can I use Globalyzer with my standard IDE?
Yes. Globalyzer comments can be inserted which can be quickly searched on and worked on with your preferred IDE. We’re working to more tightly couple Globalyzer with leading IDE’s.
How can Globalyzer support my SCM and QA batch processes?
Globalyzer’s command line supports batch reporting during automated processes, such as a nightly build. The command line will automate report on internationalization status, including output of both summary and detailed reports itemizing internationalization issues and their precise location within source code. Globalyzer is also useful as a QA benchmark, so that code submitted for testing has been clearly analyzed for internationalization compliance, reducing the iterative burden between internationalization and localization testing and development.
Why would I use Globalyzer versus my own scripts?
Globalyzer encapsulates a terrific amount of research and development regarding internationalization issues, and interacting with them. It would be extremely difficult to develop an internationalization detection script that is as comprehensive and powerful, much less easily leveraged across your enterprise. And even if you could, wouldn’t your team be better off working on your product? Globalyzer was first released in 2001 and has been continually developed ever since, allowing for the inclusion of features desired from our broad customer base.
Is Globalyzer automatically (automagically) fixing my code? Is Globalyzer adding anything proprietary?
No. Globalyzer does not make changes without your approval. You can inspect each internationalization instance Globalyzer detects, and it does have highly productive capabilities to speed up repetitive internationalization tasks, such as string externalization. No proprietary elements will be added to your code.
Will Globalyzer help me adapt my application to support Unicode?
Yes, as is necessary to your particular programming language. You will have a number of character encoding support choices.
Can I use Globalyzer to look for issues in my code that have nothing to do with internationalization?
Yes. In fact this is quite common. One of the added values that our customers use Globalyzer for, is as a repository for regular expression searches, which they can name, describe and share among their company’s developers.
How can Globalyzer be leveraged across my development enterprise?
Software internationalization involves a surprisingly complex variety of issues, depending upon your requirements, technologies and unique application needs. Globalyzer’s client/server architecture, lets you build and store internationalization detection and filtering rules, and then populates each of your developers client account’s with those controls. Developers can then perform internationalization tasks efficiently whether they are working together in the next cube or continent.
Do I have to submit my source code to the Globalyzer web site?
No. Your source code and any information about it never leaves your local machine where you have it already located. Globalyzer only accesses its server for the account rule set configurations for detection and filtering. The Globalyzer desktop client and Command Line client perform all code scanning and reporting on your local machine.
How is Globalyzer licensed?
Globalyzer can be licensed in a hosted account configuration, where Lingoport hosts the Globalyzer server, or with an Enterprise server hosted within your company’s network. Globalyzer is licensed base on organizational use, rather than per user, as internationalization is a team development activity and ongoing process. Please contact sales@lingoport.com for more information.
For common questions about using Globalyzer, please see the support page.
Call Us: + 1 (303) 444.8020 (US)