Java i18n: use one ResourceBundle accessor per package, or one for whole project?

Question

I don't know anything about internationalization.

I have a project with several packages. I am using Eclipse's built-in "Externalize Strings" wizard to extract String constants in my classes to a properties file and replace those Strings with calls to a static accessor. So instead of

System.out.println("Hello, world!");

I end up with

System.out.println(Messages.getString("MyKey"));

and a Messages utility class in every package (which provides a static getString method for getting the desired String from a ResourceBundle [in this case a .properties file]). Is it best to have a Messages class in every package, or have a single Messages class for the entire project?

Answer 1

I'm in favor of a global localization file. You will have duplicate keys ("OK", "Cancel") which would require duplication or nesting, and interfacing with outside localization people is easier if the resources are consolidated.

Answer 2

I would keep one-per-package. This way maintenance/refactoring/unit-testing is much easier.

Also, there are no global dependencies on a single file.