TYPO3 Core

Problem:

Translated content elements are showing the bodytext content of the default language instead of nothing when value is NULL instead of empty string ''

Short:

• Language is set to "strict" mode in site configuration.
• Content element (= ce) is translated using the connected mode.
• Bodytext field value of translation is NULL instead of empty string ''
• Bodytext field of default language has some content.

How to reproduce?

1. Setup TYPO3 10/11/main with at least two languages. Use strict mode.
2. Create a ce "Header".
3. Then translate this ce (connected mode).
4. Edit the ce in the default language:
   • Switch type to "Text & Media"
   • Add some content to the bodytext field

Optional Steps:

• Change the translated ce also to "Text & Media" and save. But DON'T touch the bodytext field!
• Check your database: Is the bodytext value NULL or ''

When you create a textmedia directly or delete text from the bodytext with the RTE, the field will be saved as empty string.

The field is defined as bodytext mediumtext, in the ext_tables.sql. Therefore IMHO NULL and empty string '' should behave the same way.

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You find example data for a very basic setup attached (Site config + Dump: sys_template, pages & tt_content)