Computer-assisted translation

Computer-aided translation (CAT), also referred to as computer-assisted translation or computer-aided human translation (CAHT), is the use of software to assist a human translator in the translation process. The translation is created by a human, and certain aspects of the process are facilitated by software; this is in contrast with machine translation (MT), in which the translation is created by a computer, optionally with some human intervention (e.g. pre-editing and post-editing). CAT tools are typically understood to mean programs that specifically facilitate the actual translation process. Most CAT tools have (a) the ability to translate a variety of source in a single editing environment without needing to use the file format's associated software for most or all of the translation process, (b) translation memory, and (c) integration of various utilities or processes that increase productivity and consistency in translation. Computer-assisted translation is a broad and imprecise term covering a range of tools. These can include: Translation memory tools (TM tools), consisting of a database of text segments in a source language and their translations in one or more target languages. Spell checkers, either built into word processing software, or available as add-on programs. Grammar checkers, either built into word processing software, or available as add-on programs. Terminology managers, which allow translators to manage their own terminology bank in an electronic form. This can range from a simple table created in the translator's word processing software or spreadsheet, a database created in a program such as or, for more robust (and more expensive) solutions, specialized software packages such as SDL MultiTerm, LogiTerm, Termex, TermWeb, etc. Electronic dictionaries, either unilingual or bilingual Terminology databases, either on the host computer or accessible through the Internet, such as TERMIUM Plus or Grand dictionnaire terminologique from the Office québécois de la langue française Full-text search tools (or indexers), which allow the user to query already translated texts or reference documents of various kinds.