How data translators work

Dreamweaver handles all translator files the same way, regardless of whether they translate entire tags or only attributes. At startup, Dreamweaver reads all the files in the Configuration/Translators folder and calls the getTranslatorInfo() function to obtain information about the translator. Dreamweaver ignores any file in which getTranslatorInfo() does not exist or contains an error that causes it to be undefined.

Note: To prevent JavaScript errors from interfering with startup, errors in any translator file are reported only after all translators are loaded. For more information on debugging translators, see Finding bugs in your translator.

Dreamweaver also calls the translateMarkup() function in all applicable translator files (as specified in the Translation preferences) whenever the user may have added new—or changed existing—content that needs translation. Dreamweaver therefore calls translateMarkup() when the user:

	Opens a file in Dreamweaver.
	Switches back to the Document window after making changes in the HTML inspector.
	Changes the properties of an object in the current document.
	Inserts an object (using either the Object palette or the Insert menu).
	Refreshes the current document after making changes to it in another application.
	Applies a template to the document.
	Pastes or drags content into or within the Document window.
	Saves changes to a dependent file.
	Invokes a command, behavior, property inspector, or other extension that sets the innerHTML or outerHTML property of any tag object or the data property of any comment object.
	Chooses File > Convert > 3.0 Browser Compatible.
	Chooses Modify > Layout Mode > Convert Tables to Layers.
	Chooses Modify > Layout Mode > Convert Layers to Tables.
	Chooses Modify > Translate > translatorName.
	Changes a tag or attribute in the Quick Tag Editor and presses Tab or Enter.