Internationalization and Localization Using Microsoft .NET

Internationalization and Localization Using Microsoft .NET is intended to be a comprehensive discussion of how to localize code using Visual Studio .NET. Author Nick Symmonds knows the advantages of preparing for localization in the design stage and the disadvantages of localizing a project after the fact, and he discusses both methods of localizing code in this book. All aspects of localization are examined, from handling date, time, and currency and text data, to developing multilingual user interfaces and help files. He also covers Visual Studio's localization features and tools in depth and presents the pros and cons of each to the reader.

Internationalization and Localization Using Microsoft .NET is unique in that it covers both C# and VB .NETall examples are presented in both languages. This language-independent approach is essential given that large systems may use both languages, and the principals discussed can be applied to other .NET languages as well. Some of the core topics covered are as follows:

 

• The Globalization and Resources namespaces, which relate directly to localization
• Resource files and how they are used in .NET
• Visual and command-line tools that aid in localization
• In depth discussion of design and implementation of world-ready programs

 

Also included is a comprehensive example of a resource editor, with code provided in both C# and VB .NET. This project is not only useful as product in itself, but also instructive in how to write fairly complicated code in both .NET languages.

Nick Symmonds works for the Integrated System Solutions division of Ingersoll-Rand, developing and integrating security software. He started his professional life as an electronics technician. While getting his bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from the University of Hartford, he started to gravitate toward programming. Nick has spent quite a few years programming in assembly, C, C++, and Visual Basic. Recently, he has latched onto .NET like a lamprey and loves digging into the .NET core. Nick has written several articles on programming and has three books out: Internationalization and Localization Using Microsoft .NET (Apress, 2002), GDI+ Programming in C# and VB .NET (Apress, 2002), and Data Entry and Validation with C# and VB .NET Windows Forms (Apress, 2003). He lives with his family in the northwest hills of Connecticut and has recently become addicted to golf and road cycling. He also enjoys woodworking, hiking, and exploring the hills on his motorcycle.