Translatable string with multiple links that can be reordered and renamed

translatable_string.php

<?php

/**
 * Translatable string with multiple links that can be reordered and renamed
 * @author Alain Schlesser ([email protected])
 *
 * @see http://php.net/manual/function.preg-replace.php
 * @see http://codex.wordpress.org/Function_Reference/_2
 */

// We use the preg_replace function to include placeholders inside the string to
// be translated. These placeholders can be reordered, just like a similar
// "sprintf('string with several %1$s that need to be %2$s', $links, $changed')"
// would allow you to do.
//
// The advantages:
// 1. Translators get more context and see the entire phrase.
// 2. Translators can change the anchor text, without needing to edit the url.
$translated_string = preg_replace(

	// Array with regexp expressions that match your placeholders.
	array(
		'/1\{ *(.*?) *\}/',
		'/2\{ *(.*?) *\}/',
		'/3\{ *(.*?) *\}/',
	),

	// Array with the links. Note the $1 that gets replaced by the anchor text
	// included in the translatable string.
	array(
		'<a href="http://example.com/products/" target="_blank">$1</a>',
		'<a href="http://example.com/services/" target="_blank">$1</a>',
		'<a href="http://example.com/contact/" target="_blank">$1</a>',
	),

	// Now comes the string itself. You can leave a note to the translators,
	// explaining what the placeholders are all about

	// TRANSLATORS: x{anchor-text} are placeholders that get replaced by
	// corresponding links. Translate anchor text and reorder as necessary.
	__(
		'You can now buy our 1{Products} or order our 2{Premium Services}. '
		. 'If unsure, do not hesitate to 3{contact us}.'
		, 'example_plugin_textdomain'
	)
);