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!
.png.022b5452a8f28f552bc9430097a16da2.png)