Localization is the process of adapting a globalized application, which you have already processed for localizability, to a particular culture/locale. The process of localizing your application also requires a basic understanding of relevant character sets commonly used in modern software development and an understanding of the issues associated with them. Although all computers store text as numbers (codes), different systems can (and do) store the same text using different numbers. In a general sense, this issue has never been more important than in this era of networks and distributed computing.

The localization process refers to translating the application user interface (UI) or adapting graphics for a specific culture/locale. The localization process can also include translating any help content associated with the application. Most localization teams use specialized tools that aid in the localization process by recycling translations of recurring text and resizing application UI elements to accommodate localized text and graphics.

See Also

Overview of Globalization and Localization | Globalization | Localizability | Localization Planning