[Xfce-i18n] Request: Definition of 'initialize' in a string

[Christian Dywan]

Am Sat, 31 Jan 2009 17:51:09 +0100
schrieb Leandro Regueiro <leandro.regueiro at gmail.com>:

> > I am translating the following string:
> > "Failed to initialize xfconf. Reason: %s"
> >
> > Wiktionary gives following definitions for 'initialize'. Which one,
> > if any, is the correct definition. If not any, may someone give me
> > the correct definition?
> >
> > * To assign initial values to something
> > * (computing) To assign an initial value to a variable
> > * (computing) To format a storage medium prior to use
> > * (computing) To prepare any hardware (such as a printer or
> > scanner) for use
> >
> > http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/initialize
> 
> Hi, some times "initialize" is used instead of "start".

Initializing in the case of a programme refers to allocating memory,
loading configuration files and reserving resources at startup. All
that which is required to properly run and has to be setup in advance.

If you want to translate this you most certainly want to compare to
existing translations, it's a very common term.

ciao,
    Christian