Overview

Overview

Internationalized software can be made to produce output in a user's native language, to format data (such as dates and currency values) according to the user's local customs, and to otherwise make the software easier to use for users from a culture other than that of the original software developer. As computers become more widely used in non-American cultures, it becomes increasingly important that developers stop relying on the conventions of American programming and the English language in their programs. This chapter provides information on how to make your applications more widely accessible.

This section presents the following topics:

"Some Definitions" covers locales, internationalization, localization, nationalized software, and multilingual software.
"Areas of Concern in Internationalizing Software" points out a few concerns to watch for when internationalizing your software.
"Standards" covers standard-compliant features.
"Internationalizing Your Application: The Basic Steps" lists the procedures to use when internationalizing an icon.
"Additional Reading on Internationalization" provides references you can consult for additional information about internationalization.

Some Definitions
Areas of Concern in Internationalizing Software
Standards
Internationalizing Your Application: The Basic Steps
Additional Reading on Internationalization