gnome-rust-base

A comprehensive guide for starting projects with GTK, Rust, Meson, and Flatpak in the GNOME environment, with a focus on implementing multiple language support.

Building Methods

Using Flatpak and GNOME Builder

gnome-rust-base can be easily compiled and run using GNOME Builder.

Using flatpak-builder

1. flatpak-builder --user flatpak_app build-aux/org.gnome.Example.json
2. flatpak-builder --env=LC_ALL=pt_BR.UTF8 --run flatpak_app build-aux/org.gnome.Example.json gnome-rust-base

Manual Method

1. meson --prefix=/usr build-dir
2. ninja -C build-dir
3. ninja -C build-dir install
4. gnome-rust-base

For detailed information about dependencies, see the Flatpak manifest.

Implementing Multiple Language Support in GNOME Builder (Rust)

Initial Setup

1. Creating the .pot File:
   • Build the project with Meson: meson --prefix=/usr build-dir
   • Generate the .pot file: ninja -C build/ gnome-rust-base-pot
   • The file will be created at po/gnome-rust-base.pot.

Preparing the UI for Translation

1. UI File Changes:

   • In src/window.ui, mark properties for translation with translatable=yes.
     • Example: <property name="label" translatable="yes">Hello, World!</property>
   • Update the .pot file.

2. Troubleshooting:

   • Ensure all commands were executed correctly and that changes to the UI file are correct.

3. Regenerate the .pot File:

   • Command: ninja -C build gnome-rust-base-pot.

Translation Process

1. Creating Language Files:

   • Use msginit to generate a translation file for the desired language.
     • Example: msginit -l pt_BR --no-translator -i po/gnome-rust-base.pot -o po/pt_BR.po
   • Translate the po/pt_BR.po file using a text editor or specialized tool like gtranslator or poedit.

2. Updating the LINGUAS File:

   • Add the new language code (e.g., pt_BR) to the po/LINGUAS file in alphabetical order.
   • This step is crucial for the compilation and installation process.

Conclusion and Testing

• Changing the Application Language:
  • The application's language will match the system's LANG variable.
  • To test in a specific language, set the LC_ALL variable, e.g., LC_ALL=pt_BR.UTF8 gnome-rust-base.

---

Special thanks to Rafael Fontenelle for assisting in understanding how to implement multiple languages in GNOME.