Localization by Ameir Al-Zoubi

Slides from @ameir's talk on Localization of iOS applications at CocoaHeads June 2012 in Raleigh, NC

Transcript

1. Localization & Internationalization
2. Localization & Internationalization Mo’ Languages = Mo’ Money
4. 365 Million iOS devices
5. 365 Million iOS devices 155 Countries
6. 365 Million iOS devices 155 Countries
7. Localizing Resources • Used to localize any resource (strings, images, xibs, etc) • Creates lproj folders to place resources • No additional code needed
8. String Tables • Default “localizable.strings” • Stored as Key-Value pairs
9. genstrings • Built in to Mac OS X • Automatically generate strings file • Creates key and comment
10. Custom Tables • NSLocalizedString() just calls [[NSBundle mainBundle] localizedStringForKey:value:table:] • you can make myLocalizable.strings • and myLocalizedString()
11. Text Tips • Don’t overload keys • Be specific • Building strings • Making string plural • compare vs localizedStandardCompare • Direction • characterAtIndex & length are no good
12. Dates & Time • Always use NSDateFormatter • Automatically uses current system settings • NSCurrentLocaleDidChangeNotification
13. Date & Time Formats • NSDateFormatterShortStyle • dateFormatFromTemplate:options:locale • @"j" for getting proper AM/PM/24H
14. NSCalendar • autoupdatingCurrentCalendar • NSGregorianCalendar isn’t the only calendar • NSDateComponents represents portions of the calendrical date
15. Numbers • NSNumberFormatter • Uses correct char set, decimal separator, currency, etc. • Other units you convert yourselves (lb vs kg, etc)
16. Number Tips • Avoid stringWithFormat • New in iOS 6 is localizedStringWithFormat • Parsing with NSNumberFormatter not intValue
17. Localized Images • Can localize in Xcode like any other resource • If possible, avoid the need to localize • Avoid text • Use generic and stretchable images • Avoid word-play with images
18. Finally • Its easy to prepare your app for localization even if you have no localized content yet • Be aware of other locales, languages and cultures • Use the Built-in APIs. They know what they’re doing!