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Global Markets |
Localization is the process of adapting software for a specific region or language by adding locale-specific componenets and translating text. The term localization is often abbreviated as l10n, because in the English language there are 10 letters between the "l" and the "n."The translation of text is an important localization task. During internationalization, text such as GUI component labels and error messages are stored outside of the source code so they can be retrieved at runtime. Before this text can be retrieved, it must be translated. Since the text is not hardcoded in the program, the source code does not require modification. The translators work with text files that are read by the program, not embedded in it. Thus, the same executable runs worldwide.
Formatting conventions for dates, numbers, and currencies vary with language and region. Localizers may need to specify some of the formatting patterns. Or, the program may automatically provide the proper patterns. In either case, the localizers must test the software to verify that the formatting conventions conform to local requirements.
Other types of data, such as sounds and images, may require localization if they are culturally sensitive.
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Global Markets |