What is the best(recommended): Create a lang file or store the strings in a database? [closed]

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I'm trying to do a multi language site, so I want to know what is the best way to store the strings(text). For now, I am using a file like (lang_en.php) that contains an array with the key and the string ($lang['MENU_SEARCH'] = 'This is going to show up there'). Is this the best way to do this? Using a database is better?

Answer 1

"Best" clearly depends on the situation.

Benefits of using a text file:

• Easier, quicker development.
• No database hits.
• Can be stored and managed through source code control system.
• Text changes can go through standard QA process.
• Common solution in other il8n frameworks.

Drawbacks of using a text file:

• The strings basically become a "software artifact" - only developers can change them, and a simple change requires a software release.
• Hard to apply formatting to the text, no WYSIWYG.

Benefits of using a database:

• Changes can be done through admin interface, so no technical skills required, and no software release.

Drawbacks of database:

• Moderate amount of effort to build simple version.
• Significant amount of work to build sophisticated version (versioning, test/preview mode); rapidly approaches build of Content Management System in scope.
• Can introduce performance hit if you don't get the caching right.

Answer 2

Database is always better option considering the scalability. On top of database you can have redis like caching mechanism which allows search too in memory.

Answer 3

Up to best of my knowledge and exposure. Best thing is to create php files and define constants for each interface and include them where required. I personally don't recommend the database approach as it will increase the database trips

a hint for cart.php file as

/languages/en/cart.php

where the syntax of file is something like

define('Title', 'My Shopping Cart');