Localizable number, date, and time formatting

The Formatting framework provides a set of formatters you can use to perform conversions between binary data and text. These formatters allow the same data to be scanned or displayed in the format appropriate for a particular language or region. The formatters also use the capabilities of the text system, which means that you can style any text input to or output from a formatter. For example, you can use a red color style to indicate negative numbers.

The system includes a full set of number formatters that provide a wide range of capabilities. Features include:

The system also includes date and time formatters. These formatters convert the internal system time to a meaningful expression for a particular locale, first converting the system time to the local time zone, and then mapping the local time to the fields of a particular calendar. You can access individual fields of the calendar and create specific patterns of data. For example, depending on what information you are interested in, you could create the following formats from the same system time representation:

The CommonPoint application system provides the Gregorian calendar used in most parts of the world. The Japanese and Arabic calendars are planned for inclusion in a later release. You can also create your own customized calendar.

The Formatting framework is fully integrated, allowing you to combine the use of formatters. You can, for example, use Japanese number formatters within a Japanese date formatter.

See "Number formatting" and "Date and time formatting" in Chapter 9 for
more information.

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