[Discussion] Auto-Translation Module for PrestaShop (Modules + Themes) – Architecture & Core Compatibility

[ZiedDams]

Hi PrestaShop Core & Module Developers 👋

I’m currently brainstorming a new module idea and would love to get feedback from the community before starting development.

🎯 Goal

Create an Auto-Translation System Module that:

Detects missing translations in modules and themes

Automatically translates untranslated keys

Optionally improves existing low-quality translations

Works without breaking PrestaShop’s native translation system

💡 Concept Overview

The idea is NOT to replace PrestaShop’s translation mechanism,
but to extend it intelligently.

The module would:

Scan translation domains (modules, themes, core)

Detect missing or empty translation entries

Send only missing strings to an external translation service (API-based)

Store translations using native PrestaShop translation storage (DB or XLF depending on version)

This approach keeps default behavior intact and fully compatible with core updates.

🏗️ Architecture Thoughts

Possible architecture:

Scanner Service – Detect missing translation keys

Domain Resolver – Identify the correct translation domain

External Translation Adapter – Abstract layer for translation providers (API-based)

Translation Persister – Uses native PrestaShop translation writing logic

Admin UI – Controls:

Auto mode (background cron)

Manual scan mode

Module/theme whitelist & blacklist

⚙️ Key Technical Questions

What is the safest way to write translations in PS 8/9 without bypassing the Symfony Translator?

Should translations be written directly into XLF files or via database layers?

Is there a recommended hook or process to trigger translation refresh safely?

Has anyone already built something similar or partially addressed this?

🚀 Extra Ideas

Translation quality score (flag machine-generated translations)

Fallback language detection

CLI support for developers

Translation diff viewer (before / after comparison)

🔎 Why This Could Be Useful

Many shops install multiple modules and themes that are only partially translated.
Manually translating everything is time-consuming and error-prone.

An intelligent assistant that respects PrestaShop’s architecture
could significantly improve multilingual shop adoption.

🙌 Feedback Welcome

I would really appreciate feedback from core contributors or developers who have worked deeply with the translation system.

Is this technically viable in a clean way?

Would you approach the architecture differently?

Thanks in advance!

Edited 2 hours ago by ZiedDams (see edit history)