Website with different foreign languages

[ajpaulus]

Hi Guys

What is the best way to have a website with options to read it in different languages? Build asp pages or just build different pages by just changing the text and leaving graphics?

If asp, do I need to learn Perl before I attempt to do the asp pages? Or can I just learn the Get and Include codes?

Thanks...Audrey

[php~pro]

Hi Audrey

There are many ways of doing this in any serverside language. You can use the methods you mention above or use IP verification to determine the users origin. The favoured method for quick and simple is to use variables for your outputs stored in a language pack. You could offer users a flag or child menu to switch language or create a cookie to auto switch the language file if you have a good volume of returning visitors. It really depends upon your sites needs as to how you go about creating the application.

[ADAM Web Design]

I would, as php^pro suggested, learn a server-side programming language. Use the language to come up with a templated layout, and keep the pages themselve separate.

Then, when the user indicates his/her language of preference, retrieve the appropriate content from a database corresponding with the language selected.

If you do it in ASP (which is probably your easiest bet IMHO) then you need to learn VBScript first. It's a pretty easy language to pick up if you understand the fundamentals of writing in English. Personally, I find it a lot easier to deal with than any other language, but that's just me.

If you get stuck, PM me and I'll help you where and when and how I can.