Internationalization and Localization Overview

Internationalization and localization are different procedures. Internationalization is the process of making software portable between languages or regions, while localization is the process of adapting software for specific languages or regions. Internationalized software can be developed using interfaces that modify program behavior at runtime in accordance with specific cultural requirements. Localization involves establishing online information to support a language or region also called a locale.

Internationalized software works with different native languages and customs and can be ported from one locale to another without rewriting the software. The Oracle Solaris system is internationalized, providing the infrastructure and interfaces you need to create internationalized software.