load()

public function load(string $path): array

Description

Loads a language‑specific file, typically containing translation arrays. The path can contain the placeholder {lang}, which is automatically replaced with the current language code (from get_language()).

This method is primarily used by the Validation module to load error messages in the appropriate language, but can be adapted for other translation needs.

Parameters

Parameter Type Description
$path string Path to the language file, relative to APPPATH. Use {lang} as a placeholder for the language code.

Return Value

Type Description
array An associative array of translation strings loaded from the file, or an empty array if the file doesn't exist.

Example Usage

PHP
// Load validation error messages for current language
$errors = $this->language->load('modules/validation/language/{lang}/validation_errors.php');
// Returns array like ['required' => 'The {field} field is required.', ...]

// Load custom translation file
$translations = $this->language->load('modules/my_module/language/{lang}/ui.php');

// Manual path without placeholder (fixed language)
$french_errors = $this->language->load('modules/validation/language/fr/validation_errors.php');

// Usage in validation setup
public function init_validation() {
    $error_messages = $this->language->load('modules/validation/language/{lang}/validation_errors.php');
    // Use $error_messages to customize validation errors
}

Notes

  • The path is relative to APPPATH (application root).
  • The file must return an array variable named $validation_errors (convention from Validation module).
  • If the file doesn't exist, an empty array is returned (no error thrown).
  • Use {lang} placeholder for dynamic language loading; omit it for fixed‑language files.