Internationalization (I18n) and Localization (L10n)
- Klevis Cipi
- Aug 5, 2024
- 1 min read
Have you ever heard these terms used in the context of software?
I18n and L10n are two distinct but related processes that are often implemented together.
I18n (Internationalization)
It is the process of designing and developing software so that it can be easily adapted to different languages and cultures without requiring changes to the source code.
Examples:
Architecture Management: Implementation of multi-language files and configuration of the database to handle dates and currencies in different languages.
Language Management: Implementation of features that easily handle the translation of strings during software rendering.
Date and Currency Management: Implementation of functions that can format dates and currencies based on the user's local settings.
L10n (Localization)
It is the process of adapting a product or software content for a specific language or culture once the I18n process is completed, making the product ready for use in the preferred language or culture of the user.
Examples:
Content Translation: Translate all user interface texts into translation files.
Local Format Adaptation: Configure date, time, currency, and other units of measure according to local conventions.
Cultural Customization: Adapt images, colors, and other visual elements to be culturally appropriate for the target market.
These two terms are often confused with Multi-Language and Multi-Timezone, but they are actually part of the I18n process.
But what do the numbers mean 18 and 10?
Abbreviation (I18n) means the first character (I), (18) characters in total, and (n) the last character, of the term in English: internationalization.
Abbreviation (L10n) means the first character (L), (10) characters in total, and (n) the last character, of the term in English: localization.
Thank you.