Translate PHP Documentation HTML to Another Language
PHP documentation pages — tutorials, API references, framework guides — are often published as HTML and need to be available in multiple languages. Translating them safely requires a different approach than translating a standard web page.
What makes PHP documentation HTML different
PHP documentation typically contains:
- function and method signatures in
<code>elements - code examples in
<pre>blocks - parameter tables with technical names
- cross-references to other functions and classes
- inline code within prose sentences
None of the code portions should be translated. Only the prose explanations, descriptions, and UI copy should change.
What to translate in PHP documentation
Translate:
- descriptive paragraphs and explanations
- section headings when they are natural-language phrases
- notes, warnings, and tips
- visible UI labels in the documentation site
- descriptions of function parameters — the text, not the parameter names themselves
Do not translate:
- function names:
array_map,str_replace,json_encode - parameter names:
$callback,$array,$value - code blocks and examples
- return type labels like
bool,int,string - class and method signatures
<?phpmarkers and syntax
Protecting code examples
PHP documentation pages often have code blocks like:
<pre><code class="language-php">
$result = array_map(function($item) {
return $item * 2;
}, $numbers);
</code></pre>
This block should survive translation completely unchanged. Translating PHP syntax or variable names will produce documentation that confuses readers and cannot be followed step by step.
Use the translate="no" attribute on elements containing code, or rely on an HTML-aware workflow that respects <code> and <pre> blocks.
Protecting inline code
PHP documentation frequently mentions functions within prose sentences:
<p>Use <code>array_push()</code> to add elements to an array.</p>
The safe translated result keeps the function name unchanged:
<p>Utilisez <code>array_push()</code> pour ajouter des éléments à un tableau.</p>
Only the surrounding explanation changes. The function reference stays in its original English form.
Handling parameter tables
PHP documentation often includes tables describing function parameters:
| Parameter | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
$callback | callable | The function to apply to each element |
$array | array | Input array |
Translate only the "Description" column text. Keep parameter names and type values exactly as they are.
Cross-references and anchor links
PHP documentation pages frequently link to related functions:
<a href="/manual/en/function.array-map.php">array_map()</a>
Translate the anchor text only if it is a natural-language phrase. Keep the href value unchanged. Do not translate function names used as link text.
Common mistakes when translating PHP documentation
Translating function or variable names
If array_map becomes something else in the translation, the documentation is wrong. Function names are code identifiers, not language.
Breaking code block formatting
<pre> and <code> content depends on indentation and exact whitespace. A translation workflow should leave these blocks completely untouched.
Inconsistent terminology translation
Terms like "callback," "closure," "namespace," and "type hint" may be handled differently across sections. Decide upfront whether to translate technical jargon or keep it in English — then apply that decision consistently.
Skipping link verification
Documentation pages cross-reference other functions constantly. Verify that all anchor links still resolve after translation.
Good use cases
This workflow is relevant for:
- translating PHP manual pages or custom PHP documentation
- localizing Laravel, Symfony, or CodeIgniter framework documentation
- translating PHP tutorial sites and blog posts
- making open-source PHP library documentation available in other languages
If you need to translate PHP documentation HTML safely, use HTML Translate and verify the output before publishing — especially confirming that all code blocks remain intact.