What Is Per-Version Language Key Mapping?

Some Joomla language keys and system responses change between major versions. With per-Joomla-version language mapping, you can define alternative language constants based on the target Joomla version being compiled.

JCB automatically detects the target version during the build process and inserts the correct language strings for:

• Admin & Site interfaces
• Field labels and tooltips
• Error and success messages
• Form instructions
• Menu text and more

Example

Let’s say you have a label:

• COM_EXAMPLE_SAVE_BUTTON = "Save"

But in Joomla 5, the UI recommends using “Apply” instead. You can configure:

• Joomla 3/4: COM_EXAMPLE_SAVE_BUTTON = "Save"
• Joomla 5+: COM_EXAMPLE_SAVE_BUTTON = "Apply"

JCB will automatically inject the correct value into the .ini language files for the target version.

Use Cases

• Multi-version component distribution (J3 to J5+)
• Avoid deprecated language keys
• Tailor UI to new Joomla terminology
• Support different user expectations across Joomla versions

Benefits

• 🧩 Version-Aware Language Packaging
  Each build gets a tailored set of language strings, without bloating a single file with all variants.
• 🎯 Precision Localization
  Ensure that the UI language reflects best practices and terminology for the current Joomla version.
• 🔁 Seamless Upgrade Paths
  Reduce migration effort and improve compatibility with future Joomla releases.
• 🛠️ Full Control via GUI
  Manage version-specific overrides directly in JCB’s language configuration panels.

How to Configure

• In JCB, navigate to the Language Strings area.
• Define your language strings as usual — no manual version-mapping is required.
• When compiling a component, JCB detects the Joomla version and automatically adjusts the language strings accordingly.
• Simply save your strings and compile — JCB handles version-specific output during the build process.

Conclusion

Per-Joomla-version language key mapping gives you future-proof multilingual support and precise control over your component's UI tone across the Joomla ecosystem. It’s ideal for developers maintaining extensions across versions or preparing for JED compliance.

Summary

Joomla Component Builder (JCB) supports dynamic language key mapping across multiple Joomla versions. This ensures that your component uses the correct, version-specific language strings—allowing you to maintain full compatibility with Joomla 3, 4, 5, and beyond from a single blueprint.