localeindependent

Localeindependent describes software behavior that does not depend on the user's locale settings. A locale defines language and regional conventions for things like numbers, dates, times, currency, sorting, and text formatting. When software is localeindependent, it uses fixed representations that are consistent across locales.

In practice, localeindependence is important for data interchange, logs, and programmatic processing where predictable, machine-readable output is required. It is contrasted with locale-aware or locale-sensitive behavior, which adapts formatting and sorting to the user’s language and region.

Common techniques include using neutral standards for dates and times (for example, ISO 8601 or RFC 3339 timestamps), using a fixed decimal separator (typically a period) and avoiding thousands separators, and performing string comparisons with a defined code point order rather than locale-specific collations. Many programming environments offer ways to opt into locale-invariant behavior, such as selecting a neutral locale (for example, C or Locale.ROOT) or an invariant culture.

Advantages of localeindependence include portability, consistent behavior across locales, and easier data exchange in logs and protocols. Drawbacks include reduced readability for users who expect localized formatting and potential confusion when numbers or dates are displayed without familiar local conventions. The appropriate choice depends on context: environments aimed at machine processing or cross-system data exchange often favor localeindependence, while user-facing applications may require locale-aware formatting for usability.

See also: locale, internationalization, localization, collation, invariant culture, ISO 8601.