What Is the Reverse String Parser?

In Joomla Component Builder (JCB), the Reverse String Parser is a feature that scans compiled files and replaces language constants (e.g. COM_EXAMPLE_FIELD_TITLE) with their original natural-language text (e.g. “Title”) — directly within the GUI or editing interface.

This makes editing, reviewing, and debugging easier, especially when importing compiled code or rebuilding components not originally created in JCB. It’s particularly useful when working with imported admin/site views, custom layouts, or previously compiled strings.

It can also help synchronize custom strings with your field definitions, reducing duplicate or broken language keys.

Key Features

• 🧠 Automatic Constant-to-Text Conversion: JCB detects Joomla language constants and reverses them into natural text based on matching .ini entries.
• 📥 Import-Friendly Parsing: Use when importing compiled components, templates, or external Joomla code — helps rehydrate natural labels into JCB's field or layout configuration.
• 📘 Supports INI and JSON Language Files: Works across standard Joomla .ini language files or those embedded inside JCB views, fields, or templates.
• 🧾 Inline Parsing for Admin/Site Views: During layout import or analysis, the parser reverts COM_MYCOMPONENT_LABEL to readable labels in the layout builder or snippet.
• 🔄 Bidirectional Language Awareness: Tightly integrated with JCB’s language compiler, so string reversals remain in sync with forward-generated language constants.
• 🛠 Available During Compile or Edit: Use manually before or after compilation — particularly during blueprint import or template update scenarios.
• 🧬 Helpful for Legacy Cleanup: Clean up old or misaligned constants in older blueprints or externally generated templates.

Use Cases

• Import a layout file and automatically see “Title” instead of COM_MYCOMPONENT_TITLE
• Reformat an old component’s view by converting all constants to real-world labels before editing
• Review a field’s output structure more easily during GUI layout mapping
• Repair or rebuild old views by syncing language strings to the correct display text

How to Use in JCB

1. In any area where layout/text content is loaded (e.g. Layouts, Templates, Fields, Views):
   Use the <?php echo Text::_('Text'); ?> or similar action in the layout interface
2. JCB will scan for Joomla language constants (usually all-uppercase, underscore-separated)
3. Each matched constant is compared against available .ini translations
4. Matches are replaced inline with the corresponding natural-language label (if found)

🧠 Pro Tip: After parsing, you can always toggle back to constants if needed using the forward language builder.

Conclusion

The Reverse String Parser helps bridge the gap between machine-readable Joomla constants and human-friendly labels. Whether cleaning up old code, importing templates, or working with localized views, this feature gives you a clearer editing experience and faster path to multilingual-ready Joomla components.