Computer-assisted translation

Computer-aided translation (CAT) is the use of software to assist a human translator in the translation process. With CAT tools, the translation is created by a human, and certain aspects of the process is facilitated by software. This is different from machine translation (MT), in which the translation is created by a computer, optionally with some a human intervention, e.g. pre-editing and post-editing. CAT is also referred to as computer-assisted translation, machine-assisted translation (MAT) or machine-aided human translation (MAHT). 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 file formats 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.