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Version: 25.3 (latest)

Translation Key (Data Variable Type)

The Translation Key type allows a data source to send a Translation Key instead of actual translated text. HELIO automatically translates these keys based on the current language, so your PLC doesn't need to handle multiple languages.

Why Use Translation Keys?

When your data source needs to display dynamic status messages, you have two options:

Send Translation Keys

Your data source sends a simple key, and HELIO handles all translations. Translation keys keep your PLC logic simple while supporting unlimited languages.

Send Translated Text

Your data source must store and manage translations for every language.

How It Works

Instead of sending the actual text, the data source will provide the Translation Key as a string value. HELIO looks up the Translation Key in its translation database and displays the correct translation for the current language.

For example, displaying dynamic status messages like The temperature is too high or The temperature is too low based on your PLC's internal state:

Data Source SendsTranslation in HELIOUser Sees (e.g., English)

"Status.TemperatureTooLow"

Key
"Status.TemperatureTooLow"

en-GB
"Temperature too low"

de-DE
"Temperatur zu niedrig"

"Temperature too low"

"Status.TemperatureTooHigh"

Key
"Status.TemperatureTooHigh"

en-GB
"Temperature too high"

de-DE
"Temperatur zu hoch"

"Temperature too high"