(*** This bug was imported into bugs.kde.org ***) Package: kdelibs Version: unknown (using KDE 2.2.0 \6alpha1) Severity: wishlist Installed from: compiled sources Compiler: gcc version 2.95.2 19991024 (release) OS: Linux (i686) release 2.4.0-4GB OS/Compiler notes: It would be great if it was possible to change the language for individual programs via a standard menu entry ie without the need of fumbling about with config files or command line parameters. Sometimes users would like to see another language version of a program in order to try it out to demonstrate the many languages KDE is available in because they don't understand or would like to check the translation etc. Other users need to look at the original version for documentation purposes reporting bugs etc. Both groups would certainly appreciate it if there was no need to switch the standard language and re-start KDE nor any need of the aforementioned "fumbling about". Regards Thomas (Submitted via bugs.kde.org) (Called from KBugReport dialog)
Just change the command line of the menu entry: "KDE_LANG=de konsole" for example.
Come on, I know that. The point is: "without the need of fumbling about with config files or command line parameters".
Stephan, this report talks about a menu entry in the program, not about changing or creating an additional menue entry in the start menu or on the desktop. Creating a separate start menu entry for each program I translate or use is not an option. This wish is more about being able to switch a programs language *temporarily* and for a *short* time to test a translation or look at the original strings (when reporting a bug). We know about KDE_LANG but the average user (or translator) does not. This wish is about "convenience" not about "being a able to.."
From a user perspective, I'd say using the command line is seen not only as going outside the app it's all about, but also as leaving the same work environment. IMHO, it should ideally be possible to switch language from within the app's themselves. Using right-click pop-down or the like on opening the app wouldn't be bad either.
What would be really nice is to change language at runtime. Something like being able to right-click on the title bar, and select the new language. All this without restarting the application (dcop can came handy here). This is my real wishitem :)
As a comment to Stephan Johach's comment: I don't think such an individual language switch would be always "temporarily". A lot of people actually prefer the original terminology of certain specialized apps -- not only developers (who, BTW, often don't know about the KDE_LANG thing and the config entry either). Also if you are frequently using international newsgroups or mailinglist you _must_ know at least the English terms of the app you are talking about or may even want to definitely switch to the respective version. The runtime thing would be nice, of course. But, for starters, I would be happy if the available functionality would be GUI-accessible. The natural place seems the Settings menu, however.
Isn't this a bit of overkill? I don't think you should remove every not-often-used option/feature (ie: gnome style), but....changing the language of a single app? at runtime time? O_o A quick and easy-to-implement hack could be a applet which: 1) allows you to select a window (ala xkill) 2) kills the app (gracefully) 3) restarts it with a given KDE_LANG passed in its environment variable. This would allow people to switch apps to another language without touching the terminal
Hello, is there any update to this bug? Especially I would be interested as to why KDE just doesn't use LC_ALL and LANG stuff? Thus some background information would be nice. Regards, Martin
Anything happens?
I also think KDE 4 should be a good chance to finally introduce this language change for individual apps. We are talking about that since KDE 2 and now have hundreds of votes. If not now -- when? (And I still mean a menu item, not to bury another applet someplace where hardly anybody finds it, just as hardly anybody knows about the command line switch.)
Well, the bug was essentially closed by Krzysztof Lichota (SVN commit 644712 http://websvn.kde.org/branches/KDE/3.5/kdelibs/?pathrev=647712 ) but his contribution was reverted for no new feature is allowed to the stable branch before it is implemented in trunk... and there seems to be nobody who'd will to be that... (see also some discussion in BR 103467 http://bugs.kde.org/show_bug.cgi?id=103467 )
Ehmm, is it now essentially fixed? I've faint memory Krzysztof's fix was added to KDE4...
No, I had some problems applying the change to KDE 3.5.7 and nobody answered my questions on kde-devel. I will try again to apply and test it in a few days when I have some spare time.
Committed in revision 700380 on 3.5 branch. Will be in KDE 3.5.8.