Build an Automated Translation CI/CD Pipeline with Lingo.dev and Knock

Imagine launching your app globally without translation headaches. No more spreadsheets, no frantic emails—just pure automation. With Lingo.dev and Knock, that dream is reality. This guide walks you through setting up a seamless translation CI/CD pipeline, making localization effortless. Let’s dive in!

The Power of AI-Powered Localization

Localization is crucial for global app success, but manual translation is slow and error-prone. Enter Lingo.dev and Knock, your AI-driven translation and notification automation duo.

• Lingo.dev: AI-powered translations across 83+ languages with customizable brand voice. Truely’s team swears by its consistency in 36 languages.
• Knock: Automates localized notifications with simple Liquid templates like {{ "OrderReady" | t }} to serve the right language based on user locale.
• Why automate? The manual method is outdated. Lingo.dev and Knock accelerate time-to-market while ensuring translation accuracy.

Crafting Seamless Notifications with Knock

Knock simplifies notification localization with:

• Translation Filters: Use t in Liquid templates ({{ "OrderReady" | t }}) to dynamically insert the correct translation.
• Organized JSON Files: Keep translations structured (en.json, fr.json) and use namespaces (shipping.fr.json) for scalable management.
• User Locale Detection: Knock adapts to user preferences dynamically, falling back to the best-matching language when needed.

Setting Up Your Translation Workflow

Local Translation with Lingo.dev CLI

1. Install & Authenticate: npm install -g lingo.dev, then npx lingo.dev@latest auth --login.

2. Configure Localization: Run npx lingo.dev@latest init to generate an i18n.json config:

   {
     "sourceLocale": "en",
     "targetLocales": ["es", "fr", "de"],
     "buckets": [{ "input": "locales/en.json", "output": "locales/[locale].json" }]
   }

3. Generate Translations: npx lingo.dev@latest i18n creates translated files, tracking changes with i18n.lock.

Automating with GitHub Actions

1. Translate on PRs:

   name: Translate on PR
   on: push
   jobs:
     translate:
       runs-on: ubuntu-latest
       steps:
         - uses: actions/checkout@v3
         - uses: lingodotdev/lingo.dev@main
           with: { api-key: ${{ secrets.LINGODOTDEV_API_KEY }} }

2. Deploy to Knock on Merge:

   name: Deploy to Knock
   on: push
   jobs:
     deploy:
       runs-on: ubuntu-latest
       steps:
         - uses: actions/checkout@v3
         - run: npm install -g @knocklabs/knock-cli
         - run: knock translation push --all
           env: { KNOCK_API_KEY: ${{ secrets.KNOCK_API_KEY }} }

Real-World Example

Adding "WelcomeMessage": "Welcome to the app!" to en.json triggers automatic translation and upload to Knock upon merging. Users instantly receive localized notifications—no manual work required.

Why This Pipeline is a Game-Changer

• Focus on One Language: Write in English; automation handles the rest.
• Single-Template Simplicity: One Knock template serves all languages.
• Version-Controlled Translations: Store translations in Git for easy auditing.
• Zero Manual Hassle: Lingo.dev’s i18n.lock ensures only new content gets translated.

Taking Localization to the Next Level

Ensuring Quality

• AI Review & Human Checks: Use Lingo.dev’s brand tuning and Knock’s review workflows.
• Error Prevention: CI/CD validation catches mistakes before deployment.

Handling Complex Localization

• Pluralization & Gender: Lingo.dev’s MessageFormat ensures grammatical accuracy.
• Regional Variants: Support en-GB vs. en-US with simple config tweaks.
• Live Testing: Knock’s preview tools let you validate translations in-app.

Optimizing for Scale

• Efficient Updates: i18n.lock translates only what’s new.
• Cost Savings: Lingo.dev’s predictable pricing beats manual agencies.
• Global Readiness: 83+ languages at your fingertips with a scalable pipeline.

Wrap-Up: Your App, Global-Ready

By automating translation with Lingo.dev and Knock, you streamline localization, cut costs, and reach users worldwide effortlessly. Ready to revolutionize your app’s global experience? Start automating today!