
Programming Languages
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there is much more to locales than country, language, and script codes. As previously
noted, there is some inconsistency in that a common system has yet to be described. is
is the perfect time to discuss CLDR.
CLDR—Common Locale Data Repository
e Common Locale Data Repository (CLDR), put simply, is a repository or database of
locale data that helps to ensure consistent use of such data across OSes and applications.
*
Given the extent to which languages and scripts are now implemented in today’s OSes and
applications, a framework for ensuring consistency is absolutely critical, and the CLDR
lls this important need. Why is this important? Today’s OSes and applications do not
function in a vacuum, and instead interoperate to varying degrees. When dealing with a
multitude of languages and scripts, the ability to uses a consistent set of locale data across
these OSes and applications is clearly a good thing, and leads to less frustration on the
part of the soware developer and a much better experience for the end users.
CLDR is, of course, based on Unicode, and is written in XML according to LDML (Locale
Data Markup Language).
†
e contents of each CLDR release are based upon contribu-
tions, oen by member companies and individuals of e Unicode Consortium.
Programming Languages
A short discussion of several popular programming languages—C/C++, Java, Perl, ...