LangForge

Automatic translator for gettext-based projects using AI APIs

---

Overview

LangForge is a desktop application that automates the translation of gettext projects (.po/.pot files) into 29 languages using AI-powered translation APIs. Built with GTK 4 and libadwaita, it follows modern GNOME Human Interface Guidelines for a native Linux desktop experience.

Point LangForge at any Python project that uses gettext, and it will:

1. Scan the project for translatable strings
2. Extract strings into a .pot template
3. Translate into 29 languages via your chosen API
4. Compile .mo binary files ready for distribution

Features

• 🌍 29 Languages — Translate to Bulgarian, Czech, Danish, German, Greek, Estonian, Finnish, French, Hebrew, Croatian, Hungarian, Icelandic, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Dutch, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Brazilian Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Slovak, Swedish, Turkish, Ukrainian, Chinese, Spanish, and English
• 🤖 Multiple AI APIs — DeepL, Groq, Gemini, OpenRouter, Mistral, and LibreTranslate
• 💸 Free & Paid Tiers — Use free API tiers or unlock paid APIs for higher limits
• 📦 Auto-compile — Optionally compile .po → .mo after translation
• 🎯 Drag & Drop — Drop a project folder directly onto the window
• 📊 Real-time Progress — Circular progress ring with per-language status indicators
• 🎨 Modern UI — Native Adwaita split-view layout with card-style controls

Screenshot

Installation

Arch Linux / BigLinux (PKGBUILD)

cd pkgbuild
makepkg -si

Manual Installation

# Dependencies
sudo pacman -S python gtk4 libadwaita python-gobject

# Install
sudo cp -r usr/share/langforge /usr/share/
sudo cp usr/share/applications/org.communitybig.langforge.desktop /usr/share/applications/
sudo cp usr/share/icons/hicolor/scalable/apps/langforge.svg /usr/share/icons/hicolor/scalable/apps/
sudo cp usr/bin/langforge /usr/bin/
sudo chmod +x /usr/bin/langforge

Running from Source

python3 usr/share/langforge/main.py

Usage

1. Launch LangForge from your application menu or terminal
2. Configure the translation API in the sidebar (Type: Free/Paid, Provider)
3. Select a project folder via button or drag & drop
4. Click "Start Translation" to begin
5. Monitor real-time progress for each language

API Configuration

Click API Settings in the sidebar to configure your API keys:

Provider	Tier	Key Required
DeepL Free	Free	✅
LibreTranslate	Free	❌
Groq	Free	✅
Gemini Free	Free	✅
OpenRouter	Paid	✅
Mistral	Paid	✅

Project Structure

LangForge/
├── usr/
│   ├── bin/langforge                    # Entry point script
│   └── share/
│       ├── langforge/
│       │   ├── main.py                  # Application entry point
│       │   ├── api/                     # API integrations
│       │   │   ├── base.py              # Base API class
│       │   │   ├── factory.py           # API factory
│       │   │   ├── free_apis.py         # Free tier APIs
│       │   │   └── paid_apis.py         # Paid tier APIs
│       │   ├── config/
│       │   │   └── settings.py          # App settings management
│       │   ├── core/
│       │   │   ├── compiler.py          # .mo file compiler
│       │   │   ├── extractor.py         # String extractor
│       │   │   ├── languages.py         # Supported languages
│       │   │   ├── scanner.py           # Project scanner
│       │   │   └── translator.py        # Translation engine
│       │   ├── ui/
│       │   │   ├── main_window.py       # Main window (GTK4/Adwaita)
│       │   │   ├── settings_dialog.py   # Settings dialog
│       │   │   └── style.css            # Custom styles
│       │   └── utils/
│       │       └── i18n.py              # Internationalization
│       ├── applications/
│       │   └── org.communitybig.langforge.desktop
│       └── icons/
│           └── hicolor/scalable/apps/langforge.svg
├── locale/                              # Translation files (29 languages)
├── pkgbuild/                            # Arch Linux packaging
├── LICENSE
└── README.md

Requirements

Dependency	Version
Python	≥ 3.10
GTK	4.0
libadwaita	≥ 1.4
PyGObject	≥ 3.42

Contributing

Contributions are welcome! Please:

1. Fork the repository
2. Create a feature branch (git checkout -b feature/amazing-feature)
3. Commit your changes (git commit -m 'Add amazing feature')
4. Push to the branch (git push origin feature/amazing-feature)
5. Open a Pull Request

License

This project is licensed under the MIT License — see the LICENSE file for details.

Credits

Developed by BigLinux team.

---

Made with ❤️ for the open-source community