ASP.NET 3.5 Website Programming: Problem-Design-Solution

Chapter 12. Localizing the Site

We live in a global community consisting of people from many countries. The term localizing refers to the capability to present a site in the language of the local user, and to use the correct symbols for currency, decimals, dates, and so on. ASP.NET 2.0 added some new features to its arsenal for localizing a site that make it easier than ever before. Since then the proliferation of AJAX means there is a new set of issues that need to be tackled. The developer is freed from writing clumsy code for managing multiple languages and locale settings, and translated strings and other resources can be compiled into independent files that can be easily plugged into the site, even after deployment, to add support for a new language that wasn't even considered when the site was designed. In this chapter, you'll look at the importance of localization and learn how ASP.NET features can help you localize your site with little effort.

Problem

These days, it seems that the word globalization is used everywhere. The beauty of the Internet and the World Wide Web is that you can reach anyone who has a computer and a phone line or some other sort of Internet connection, be it for fun, passion, business, or another purpose. Nevertheless, if you want to be able to communicate with people, you must speak (or write) a language the people can understand. Due to the proliferation of English as a primary or secondary language, many sites use English as their base language, even ...