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Fast Multi-language Docs with SitePoint's RTDSphinx-PHP

Christopher Nolan

Feb 17, 2025 am 08:51 AM

SitePoint's RTDSphinx-PHP: A Streamlined Sphinx Skeleton for Multi-Language PHP Documentation

This post introduces RTDSphinx-PHP, a ReadTheDocs-compatible Sphinx skeleton designed for creating and deploying multi-language PHP documentation. It simplifies the process with pre-configured directives, sensible defaults, and optimized styles for both API and prose documentation.

Key Features:

Simplified Localization: RTDSphinx-PHP provides a ready-to-use localization setup for both local development and ReadTheDocs deployment. Language files are automatically generated, streamlining the translation process.
Helpful Utility Scripts: Included scripts automate tasks like replacing placeholder values, updating files after changes, and building HTML from translations. PHPDomain is pre-installed for seamless PHP project integration.
Enhanced ReadTheDocs Integration: Custom CSS ensures optimal visual integration with the ReadTheDocs theme, improving the appearance of API method links in the table of contents.
ReadTheDocs Deployment: The skeleton supports ReadTheDocs' multi-language publishing requirement by treating each language version as a separate project.

Getting Started:

Prerequisites: Ensure Python and pip are installed.
Clone the Repository: Clone the RTDSphinx-PHP repository: git clone https://github.com/sitepoint/rtdsphinx-php docs
Create a Virtual Environment (Optional): This is recommended for managing project dependencies.
Install Dependencies: Install required packages: pip install -r requirements.txt
Generate Language Files: Generate files for a new language (e.g., "jp" for Japanese): bin/update.sh jp
Translate: Edit the .po files in the locale/jp/LC_MESSAGES directory.
Build HTML: Compile the HTML for your translations: bin/build.sh jp en (for Japanese and English).
Deploy to ReadTheDocs: Create separate ReadTheDocs projects for each language, then link them as translations in the main project's settings.

Fast Multi-language Docs with SitePoint's RTDSphinx-PHP

Advanced Features:

Localization: The locale folder contains automatically generated .po files (for translation) and .mo files (machine-readable). The .po files use msgid (original text) and msgstr (translated text). Gettext and Sphinx handle string extraction automatically.
Utility Scripts:
- configure.sh: Replaces placeholder values (project name, author, slug).
- update.sh: Updates .pot files and generates new .po files.
- build.sh: Compiles .po files and builds HTML.
PHPDomain and Syntax Highlighting: RTDSphinx-PHP is optimized for PHP projects, with default PHP syntax highlighting and PHPDomain pre-installed for clear API documentation.

Fast Multi-language Docs with SitePoint's RTDSphinx-PHP

Custom CSS: Customize the appearance by modifying _static/css/my_theme.css.
ReadTheDocs Deployment: Each language version requires a separate ReadTheDocs project, linked as a translation in the main project's settings.

Fast Multi-language Docs with SitePoint's RTDSphinx-PHP

Conclusion:

RTDSphinx-PHP simplifies the creation and deployment of multi-language documentation for PHP projects. Its open-source nature encourages community contributions and helps reach a wider audience. The FAQs below address common questions regarding multi-language documentation with Sphinx.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

(The FAQs section from the original input is retained here, as it directly addresses common concerns and provides valuable information.)