> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.babelshark.net/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.babelshark.net/babelshark-basics.md).

# BabelShark basics

### Global

<details>

<summary>Project</summary>

A website or HTML app which is being localized. Localized strings are unique to each project.

Each project can operate in [a specific mode](/babelshark-basics/project-modes.md) which determines the way BabelShark translates it.

</details>

<details>

<summary>String (or "source string")</summary>

A word, sentence, paragraph or text block which is being localized.

This could be a:

* button text (e.g. "Proceed"),
* a short message ("Are you sure to delete item?")
* long message ("Messaging rules: 1. respect other users...")
* HTML block (`<div class="card-header"><h1>Profile info</h1></div>`)

Use [BabelShark markup](/dev/html-markup.md) to mark the source strings in your HTML.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Translation</summary>

A translation of the specific string to one of the project languages.

</details>

### More specific

<details>

<summary>Scope</summary>

Scope is an area which contains one or more source strings, making them unique from other scopes.

For example, the word "General" may mean the "settings menu entry" or "military rank".

You mark scopes yourself. [Read more](/setup/scopes.md) about scopes.

</details>


---

# Agent Instructions
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## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.babelshark.net/babelshark-basics.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

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