Software Validation Tests

Use the Alchemy CATALYST 9.0 SDK to develop custom Validation Tests that enhance or replace the default tests provided.

Mismatched empty string

Generates an error exception if:-

• The original string is empty and the translated string is not

• The translated string is empty but the original string is not

This check is useful when validating your TTK project Your project is where you manage and organize all the files that are to be localised. files for over/under translations.

Inconsistent Keywords Check

This validation test verifies that keywords are identical in both the source and target segments.

Incorrect spelling

Spell checks your translation. Alchemy CATALYST comes with several spelling dictionaries. You can select your spelling dictionary by going to the General Options dialog.

Untranslated text marked For Review or Signed Off

This Validation test verifies that a segment that has a translation status of For Review or Signed Off has been translated.

Glossary Consistency Check

This validation test verifies that each segment that contains glossary terms are translated according to the Active Glossary file(s).

Clipped Text in Dialog

This validation test verifies that translated text displays without any clipping on a dialog box.

Duplicate hotkeys in dialogs

This validation test verifies that each hotkey in a dialog is unique.

Duplicate hotkeys in menus

This validation test verifies that each hotkey in a menu is unique.

Duplicate accelerators

This validation test verifies that menu accelerators are unique.

Validate dialogs for overlapping controls

This validation test verifies that no controls overlap each other in a dialog box.

Maximum Size Check

This validation test verifies that a segment does not exceed any of the values set in Maximum Size property.

Inconsistent hotkey count

Generates an error exception if:-

• The translated string contains a hotkey but the original string doesn't.

• The original string contains a hotkey and the translated string doesn't.

Invalid ampersand (&) position

Only non-shift keyboard keys should be used as accelerators. This validation test is designed to check this. It generates an error if a hotkey cannot be selected by using the [ALT]+ key combination.

In the Catalyst public folder there is a file called Hotkeys.xml. You can exclude valid hotkeys from the validation  report by adding them to this file. Please refer to this file for more information.

Inconsistent printf format specifiers (% d, %s, {1} etc.)

Format specifiers are programmatic placeholders. They are defined using the percent (%) symbol. In this test, an error exception is generated if the number of format specifiers differs between the original and translated strings. An error exception is also generated if the order of these format specifier’s change.

Inconsistent control characters (e.g. \ r, \ n, \ t etc.)

This validate test checks for the same number of control characters in both the source and target segments. An error exception is created if a difference is detected.

Inconsistent lead/trail spaces

Generates an error exception if leading and trailing spaces differ between original and translated strings.

Well-formed inline tags

This validation test verifies that inline tags are always well-formed and is especially useful when working with XML based files.

Inconsistent inline tags

This validation test verifies that the number of inline tags in source and target segments are identical.

The Validate Expert records all error messages and warnings in the Project Results Bar. An XML report can also be created in addition to this. This report is useful as a Regression Script when finalizing the testing of software applications and data content files