Localization
Also called: L10n
Adapting an app to a language and region, including translations, dates, currency and layout.
Definition
Localization (L10n) adapts a product for a specific market: translated text, date and number formats, currencies, and right-to-left layout for languages like Arabic. Testers check that translations fit, nothing is left untranslated and formats are correct. It builds on internationalization (i18n), which prepares the code so localization is possible at all.
In practice
In the French version, prices show as "1 299,00 €" and dates as 12/10/2026, but one button still says "Cancel" in English.
Learn it in context
Lessons that use this term.
Related terms
- TruncationText that gets cut off because it doesn't fit its space.
- Compatibility testingChecking the product works across different devices, OS versions, browsers and screen sizes.
- Internationalization (i18n)Building a product so it can be adapted to any language or region without code changes.
- LocaleRegional settings that control language and formats for dates, numbers and currency.