This feature request is inspired by the recent attempt to switch to the "raw" parser in Joomla 4.4.1/5.0.1.

Overview:

The proposal suggests a modification to the language file parser in Joomla from the current "normal" mode to the more efficient and secure "raw" mode of parse_ini_string for the Joomla 6.0 release. This change aims to improve performance while ensuring a more secure environment by eliminating string interpolation.

Proposal Details:

Parser Optimization: Switching to the "raw" parser mode provides significant performance advantages (parsing is ~30% faster). This mode specifically disallows string interpolation, thereby fortifying the platform against potential security vulnerabilities.

Backward Compatibility: To ensure a smooth transition and maintain backwards compatibility, the proposal suggests introducing a format="6.0" attribute within the languages and language nodes of an extension's XML manifest file. This addition will signal the use of the new "raw" format. In addition, legacy language files are automatically converted to the raw format during installation.

Example of a new format language block in the XML manifest:

<languages format="6.0" folder="language">
	<language tag="en-GB">en-GB/com_name.ini</language>
	<language tag="en-GB">en-GB/com_name.sys.ini</language>
</languages>

Also, the 5.x->6.0 upgrade script should iterate all installed extensions and convert their language files to the new format.

Differences between normal and raw parsers:

1. String merging:
   • Normal: COM_A="text1" "text2"
   • Raw: not supported
2. Multi-line strings:
   • Normal:

   COM_A="text1
   text2"
   

   • Raw: not supported
3. Escaping
   • Normal (the following characters should be escaped: ", \, $): COM_A="<a href=\"link\"> \$ C:\\Windows\\"
   • Raw (no escaping): COM_A="<a href="link"> $ C:\Windows\"
4. Single-quoted strings
   • Normal: COM_A='text'
   • Raw: not supported
5. Processing of mixed comments/quotes in COM_A="AAA" ;"test"
   • Normal value: AAA
   • Raw value: AAA" ;"test

Expected Outcomes:

Performance Improvement: By using the faster "raw" mode, Joomla's language file parsing can achieve a significant performance boost, resulting in faster load times and an overall improved user experience.

Security: Eliminating string interpolation ensures a more secure environment by mitigating potential risks.

Request for Discussion:

This feature request is intended to initiate a constructive discussion within the Joomla community regarding the proposed parser change. Feedback, insights, and potential considerations from developers, contributors, and stakeholders are highly encouraged to collectively assess the feasibility, implications, and implementation strategies for this enhancement.