Localization Later
Localization Later is a software development approach that defers the translation and cultural adaptation of an application until after the core functionality is built and stable. It involves initially developing the software in a single language (often English) and then adding support for multiple languages and regions in subsequent phases. This methodology aims to reduce initial development complexity and costs by focusing on core features first.
Developers should use Localization Later when building minimum viable products (MVPs) or prototypes where speed to market is critical, and the initial target audience is monolingual. It's also suitable for startups with limited resources, as it allows them to validate the product before investing in localization. However, it requires careful planning to avoid technical debt, such as hard-coded strings that are difficult to translate later.