Internationalization
Internationalization (often abbreviated as I18n) is the process of designing and developing software applications to support multiple languages, regional formats, and cultural conventions without requiring engineering changes for each locale. It involves structuring code to separate locale-specific elements (like text strings, date formats, and number formats) from the core logic, enabling easy adaptation for global markets. This foundational step ensures that applications can be efficiently localized for different regions.
Developers should learn and implement internationalization when building applications intended for a global audience, such as e-commerce platforms, social media apps, or enterprise software used across multiple countries. It is crucial for improving user experience by displaying content in the user's native language and adhering to local norms (e.g., currency symbols, date formats), which can boost engagement and accessibility. Without I18n, adding support for new languages later often requires extensive code refactoring, making it a proactive best practice for scalable software.