Three Easy Steps

Step 1: String Extraction

• VBLM examines your source code and uses sophisticated, customizable rules to extract only those strings that you want to translate, then creates a new VBLM project file.
• Extraction rules allow precise control of string extraction by both the content and context of strings. Use pattern matching to exclude strings based on content; e.g. "Select*" excludes SQL statements. Exclude strings based on the properties or variables they’re assigned to; ignore LinkTopic and ProcedureName$, for example. Exclude strings based on the functions and procedures they’re passed to, e.g. strings passed to registry or database functions. Exclude strings based on the files they're in.
• Automatic updating keeps the VBLM project file synchronized with your VB project. As you change and maintain your source code, VBLM effortlessly changes and maintains the VBLM project.
• Additional features extract menu shortcut keys; extract properties stored in binary stash files; document and log the extraction process to disk; and more.

Step 2: Translation Management

• VBLM’s advanced Language Table Editor (LTE) makes it simple to create and maintain translation tables in as many languages as you want. Entering translations is as easy as scrolling the table and typing, or exporting and importing text files. Customize the LTE for individual needs and preferences. View, search, sort and print tables in almost any way.
• Interface automatically with third party translation programs.
• Translate across character sets, get easy access to special characters.
• Display line of source code for selected string, and click MORE to view the entire procedure.
• Width-check translations to detect and report appearance and functionality problems caused by variations in string length and width across languages and fonts.
• Additional features allow you to translate a string once regardless of how many times it occurs in the project, and to translate the same word differently in different contexts.

Step 3: Build

• Build new single language versions of your applications by selecting a language table and clicking OK; VBLM clones your project, swaps the strings, and loads the new code into VB.
• Build new runtime-switched multilingual versions by checking a box and selecting as many language tables as you want, then click OK. The resulting app queries the user for a choice of language, then runs in it. And all support code is written in fully documented VB, amenable to tinkering and customization.
• Additional features allow you to extract and apply multiple sets of interface dimensions, supply fonts for character-set switching, and more.