Introduction to Linux's internationalization and localization Mechanism

To better support internationalization and localization, the Linux system provides the POSIX standard NLS (National Language Support) subsystem. Built on the ASCII code-based Linux core, this subsystem provides international Localization support for applications in different regions and languages in the world.

In the NLS subsystem, the glibc function library providesCodeThe multi-Byte Character and wide character processing functions related to the set are practical in Linux.ProgramSupports the core of international localization. With these functions, the utility processes English as a variety of local texts.

Libc supports multi-byte encoding through a "Conversion Mode. Currently, glibc uses UTF-8 as the processing code. When receiving multi-byte characters from external input, the system first determines the character set used based on the current locale, and then looks for the conversion mode from the current character set to the UTF-8, converts the input multi-byte characters to the corresponding UTF-8 characters based on this conversion mode. Conversely, when a character needs to be output, the system looks for the conversion mode from the UTF-8 to the current character set, which converts the UTF-8 character to the multi-byte character in the current character set.

Locale is the basis for Linux localization. It identifies different regions based on the language, country, or region used by computer users, as well as a language environment defined by local cultural traditions for software runtime. It has different locale under the/usr/lib/locales directory. For more information about local, see: http://www.syxin.com/2006/03/localelocale.html

 

Reference: http://www.ibm.com/developerworks/cn/linux/i18n/gb18030/

2007/11/14