[wp-hackers] Separating translations from plugin updates

[John Blackbourn]

A plugin of mine in the WordPress.org plugin directory has been
translated into several other languages by some generous people. When
I'm sent a new translation I add it to the plugin, bump the version
number, and commit it.

This means I'm unnecessarily pushing out a plugin update for all those
users who have no need for the new translation. I wonder whether a
better translation deployment method could be introduced.

My idea is that the plugin update API could be split into two, one for
normal plugin updates as they are and one for translations. For
example, if you have a Polish language pack installed on your site
then when the plugin update check is performed it will alert you that
a new or updated Polish translation is available in a similar manner
to how plugin update notifications are displayed on the Plugins screen
and the Updates screen.

Just an idea. Thoughts?

John