Each locale provides access to an archived set of objects used by language- and region-sensitive functions. The locale mechanism lets you implement language- and region-sensitive features without examining the specific requirements of different areas. Each end user specifies a locale to be used as the system default. Your code uses the objects specified by this locale, transparently providing localized services such as formatting for times, dates, and numbers, typing configurations, language preferences, or other localizable items.
You also use locales to organize data in archives. Archives contain program interfaces that can be associated with particular locales. Using archives and locales together, you can localize any program interface for multiple regions. The program retrieves the correct interface when it executes and does not have to be compiled.
Click the icon to mail questions or corrections about this material to Taligent personnel.