.MO File Extension
Machine Object File
| Developer | N/A |
| Popularity | |
| Category | Developer Files |
| Format | .MO |
| Cross Platform | Update Soon |
What is an MO file?
The .MO (Machine Object) file extension is primarily associated with GNU Gettext, a popular internationalization and localization (i18n) library used in software development. These files contain translated strings and are utilized by programs to display user interfaces in different languages.
More Information.
Initially introduced in the early 1990s, the .MO file format was designed as a more efficient alternative to the original .PO (Portable Object) format used by Gettext. .PO files contained human-readable text, while .MO files were compiled versions of these files, optimized for machine use.
Origin Of This File.
The .MO file format originated alongside GNU Gettext, which was developed by the Free Software Foundation (FSF) to facilitate the translation of software interfaces into multiple languages.
File Structure Technical Specification.
.MO files are binary files that store translated strings in a compact format, making them efficient for runtime use. They consist of message catalog entries, each representing a unique text string along with its corresponding translation. The structure of .MO files adheres to the Gettext specification, which includes metadata such as language and encoding information.
How to Convert the File?
Windows:
You can use the command-line utility provided by GNU Gettext called msgfmt. Open Command Prompt, navigate to the directory containing your .PO files, and run the command msgfmt -o output.mo input.po, where output.mo is the desired name for your .MO file and input.po is the name of your .PO file.
Linux:
You can also use the msgfmt utility from GNU Gettext. Open your terminal, navigate to the directory containing your .PO files, and execute the command msgfmt -o output.mo input.po, replacing output.mo with the desired name for your .MO file and input.po with the name of your .PO file.
macOS:
For macOS, you can use the same approach as Linux. Open Terminal, navigate to the directory containing your .PO files, and run the command msgfmt -o output.mo input.po, substituting output.mo with the desired name for your .MO file and input.po with the name of your .PO file.
Android:
To convert .MO files on Android, you might need to use a development environment like Android Studio. First, ensure your project is set up for localization. Then, place your .PO files in the appropriate localization directory (res/values-xx/ where xx is the language code). Android Studio will automatically compile .MO files when you build your project.
iOS:
For iOS development, Xcode is the primary tool. To convert .MO files, add your .PO files to your Xcode project. Xcode will compile .MO files automatically during the build process. Ensure your project is set up for localization and that your .PO files are placed in the appropriate localization directory.
Others:
For other platforms, you may need to consult the documentation or development tools specific to that platform. However, the general process involves compiling .PO files into .MO files using utilities like msgfmt provided by GNU Gettext or integrated features in development environments supporting localization.
Advantages And Disadvantages.
Advantages:
- Compact and efficient for runtime use.
- Supports fast lookup of translations.
- Compatible with a wide range of programming languages and platforms.
Disadvantages:
- Not easily human-readable or editable without specialized tools.
- Requires compilation from .PO files, which adds an extra step to the translation process.
How to Open MO?
Open In Windows
Various text editors like Notepad++ or specialized localization software like Poedit can open .MO files.
Open In Linux
Command-line tools like msgunfmt for conversion or text editors like Vim can handle .MO files.
Open In MAC
Text editors such as TextEdit or specialized localization software like Poedit are suitable for opening .MO files.
Open In Android
Android Studio or other IDEs supporting localization features can open .MO files.
Open In IOS
Xcode, Apple’s integrated development environment, supports .MO files for localization purposes.
Open in Others
.MO files can be opened on other platforms using compatible text editors or localization tools, ensuring cross-platform compatibility for translated applications.
