Summary

TapWord Translator addresses the challenge of integrating web translation without disrupting user reading flow. It provides context-aware, LLM-powered translations displayed directly below original text, akin to subtitles or annotations. This extension is ideal for language learners and avid readers seeking high-quality, non-intrusive translation capabilities.

How It Works

The extension employs LLMs to deliver contextually accurate translations, appearing unobtrusively beneath source text rather than via disruptive popups. Its core philosophy prioritizes maintaining a user's "flow state" during reading. A "smart word selection" feature automatically expands partial word highlights to encompass the entire word for translation, enhancing usability.

Quick Start & Requirements

Installation is available via the Chrome Web Store (official version) or by building the Community Edition. For the Community Edition: clone the repository, run npm install, then npm run build:community. Load the resulting dist folder as an unpacked extension in Chrome. The Community Edition requires users to configure their own API keys (OpenAI, DeepSeek, or compatible) via the extension's options page.

Highlighted Details

• Note-Style Translation: Translations are embedded directly below original text, preserving reading flow.
• AI-Powered Accuracy: Utilizes LLMs for nuanced, context-aware translations.
• Smart Word Selection: Translates full words even when only a portion is highlighted.
• Dual Build System: Differentiates between the proprietary Official Build and the open-source, BYOK Community Build using compile-time variables.

Maintenance & Community

The project fosters a community of language learners and readers, welcoming contributions via pull requests. Further community engagement channels or roadmaps are not detailed in the provided README.

Licensing & Compatibility

The project is distributed under the AGPL-3.0 License. This strong copyleft license requires derivative works to be shared under the same terms, which may impose restrictions on commercial use or integration into closed-source applications.

Limitations & Caveats

The Community Edition necessitates users providing their own LLM API keys and endpoint configurations. The proprietary logic for the "Official Build" is not present in this repository. The AGPL-3.0 license's copyleft nature requires careful consideration for commercial deployment.