iOS change Localizable.strings at runtime

Question

I want to be able to update localized strings file at runtime, but is not possible.

I thought about this: My app uses web service. So I could have a web service that returns a .strings file and the file would be saved on the apps directory.

Now the problem: How can I change the NSLocalizedString to read from my file? Is it possible?

The app is not for apple store, so is not a problem if apple does not approve changing the app language.

@MikeD Yes, but I would like to control the file on webserver and return it to the application. — António, Mar 06 '13 at 09:20
@BjörnKaiser No. But the app is not for apple store.It will only be used in the company. — António, Mar 06 '13 at 09:45
In that case you have to implement your own localization code and make it read a file from the apps' documents directory. This directory is writeable by your app and you can update the files whenever you want. — Björn Kaiser, Mar 06 '13 at 13:16
I guess the approach of @hypercrypt would be worth a try and should be the accepted answer if it works that way. — Björn Kaiser, Mar 06 '13 at 14:20

score 3 · Accepted Answer · answered Mar 06 '13 at 14:11

3

You can download the data into a bundle in your sandbox and use NSLocalizedStringFromTableInBundle() to get the proper localisation using the built in system.

answered Mar 06 '13 at 14:11

hypercrypt

15,389
6
48
59

How would you write to the bundle? It is not writeable after your app has been deployed. Or did I miss something? – Björn Kaiser Mar 06 '13 at 14:14
You seem to be right according to this question http://stackoverflow.com/questions/12358044/can-i-load-a-localizable-strings-file-into-an-ios-app-over-the-air. Haven't tried it but it makes sense. – Björn Kaiser Mar 06 '13 at 14:16
A bundle is just a folder really. You would specify the bundle in your sandbox, not the `.app` bundle (main bundle). – hypercrypt Mar 06 '13 at 14:19

iOS change Localizable.strings at runtime

1 Answers1