# Externalize Strings Wizard

The Externalize Strings wizard allows you to refactor a compilation unit such that strings used in the compilation unit can be translated to different languages. The wizard consists of the following pages:

- String selection page
- Translation settings page
- Error page
- Preview page

## String selection page

This page specifies which strings are translated and which not.

Field | Description
--- | ---
Use Eclipse's string externalization mechanism | If unchecked the standard externalization mechanism is used, otherwise the new Eclipse string externalization mechanism is used. Note: This field is only present if the project build path contains the `org.eclipse.osgi.util.NLS` class.
Enter common prefix for generated keys | Specifies an optional prefix for every generated key. For example, the fully qualified name of the compilation unit could be used.
Strings to externalize | Displays the list of non-externalized strings with proposed keys and values.
Translate | Marks the selected strings to be translated.
Never Translate | Marks the selected strings as not to be translated.
Skip | Marks the selected strings as to be skipped.
Edit Key... | Opens a dialog for entering a new key.
Context | Displays the occurrence of the string in the context of the compilation unit.

## Translation settings page

This page specifies translation specific settings.

Option | Description
--- | ---
Package | Specifies the destination package for the property file.
Property file name | Specifies the property file name.
Create resource bundle accessor class in "package" | If enabled, the wizard creates a class to access the language specific resource bundle.
Class name | The name of the class to access the resource bundle.
Use default substitution pattern | If enabled, the wizard will use default substitution patterns.
Substitution pattern | Specifies the source pattern to replace the string to externalize.
Add import declaration | Specifies additional import declarations. This might be required depending on referenced types by the substitution pattern.

## Error page

Displays a list of errors and warnings if any.

## Preview page

Displays a preview of the actions which will be performed on 'Finish'.

String externalization
Eclipse string externalization mechanism

Externalizing Strings

Source actions