Internationalization (i18n)
The process of designing software so it can be adapted for different languages and regions without code changes.
Definition
Internationalization (i18n) is the process of designing and developing software applications so they can be easily adapted for users in different countries, regions, and languages without requiring engineering changes to the source code. The abbreviation 'i18n' comes from the 18 letters between 'i' and 'n' in the word 'internationalization'.
Examples
- →Extracting hardcoded strings from source code into external translation files
- →Using Unicode (UTF-8) encoding for text storage
- →Designing UI layouts that accommodate text expansion (German text is ~30% longer than English)
- →Implementing date, time, and number formatters that respect locale settings
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between i18n and l10n?
i18n (internationalization) is the technical preparation of software to support multiple languages, while l10n (localization) is the actual adaptation for a specific locale, including translation and cultural adjustments.
Why is it called i18n?
The term i18n is a numeronym where 18 represents the number of letters between the first 'i' and the last 'n' in 'internationalization'. This convention was adopted because the full word is long and commonly used in technical discussions.