[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 Wednesday at 11:46 AM by ZiedDams (see edit history)

[Nickz]

Would it force the translated pages via IP? Or do customers still choose what language they would like? 

[ZiedDams]

17 minutes ago, Nickz said:

Would it force the translated pages via IP? Or do customers still choose what language they would like? 

Ty for your reply sir,

No we will not force any translation from ips, I want to keep using the prestashop default translation system, all I want to do is just automate it , via new module that support boath translation systems the legacy and the modern one, a script that run as a job for all the site bo and fo files , modules and themes and collect each missing translation string and via external call he get the correct translation then save it like we do manually .