Software Testing - Internationalization Testing
Software testing is a very important aspect in the software development lifecycle (SDLC). It primarily focuses on improving the quality, performance, and robustness of the software. It is also performed to ensure that the software is defect free, and it is working as per the user requirements. A software is generally developed keeping in mind a large number of people belonging to different parts of the globe, and having numerous cultural backgrounds.
What is Software Internationalization Testing?
The internationalization testing is a technique used to confirm the adaptability of a software to various cultures, and languages belonging to different parts of the world without requiring any additional code changes. It is also known as the i18n testing, where 18 refers to the total count of characters that come in between I and N in the world. This type of testing helps to conduct the localization testing on the software in the future.
What is Software Localization?
Let us take an example of a Flipkart application, once the user chooses Hindi as the preferred language, the entire content of the website updates in Hindi, however that does not change a single functionality of the application.
It is observed that the text and display are tailored as per the chosen language there. Besides, we will also start receiving special notifications, recommendations, and discounts as per the festivals belonging to various regions, and cultures. This type of customization for a particular language, and area can be achieved using localization.
Similarly, the Facebook application provides assistance to various languages including some of the popular Indian languages as well. In case, if a particular Indian language is chosen, the complete Facebook page will be updated in a few seconds depending on the language which is selected. This technique of creating applications for localization to any given international language, and region is known as the internationalization.
Why is Software Internationalization Testing Performed?
The software internationalization testing are performed for the reasons listed below −
- The software internationalization testing is done to confirm that there is accurate encoding of the characters when a language is changed to another language.
- The internationalization testing is conducted to validate if a search query or string is not compatible with a specific language. In such a situation, the software should be able to function properly without crashing.
- The internationalization testing supports users from different parts of the world by making the software more usable in their chosen languages.
- The internationalization testing confirms that the display, fonts and their sizes are rendered correctly.
Where is Software Internationalization Testing Performed?
The software internationalization testing is performed both at the front, and the back end.
Internationalization Testing at the Front End
It is conducted at the user end of the software.
- Content Localization − It includes the localization of the static contents namely buttons, links, labels, tabs etc, and the dynamic contents namely pop-ups, toolbars, dialogue boxes etc.
- Local or Cultural Awareness − It includes confirming if the correct rendering of time, currencies, date, telephone numbers, mobile numbers, pin codes, special occasions, festivals are applicable to various regions.
- Feature Based Testing − It includes verification of certain features in the software which are only applicable to particular regions, and not for everyone. Those features should not be available for all the users, and can be viewed, and accessed for only the appropriate ones.
- File Transferring and Rendering − It includes verification of the property files belonging to various languages if the interface or transfer of file has been localized according to the chosen language. Rendering refers to providing or showing contents that are correctly displayed without any alignment issues or arbitrary words.
Internationalization Testing at the Back End
It is conducted after a thorough understanding of the working of the database. It includes testing of the Unicode characters in the database. This type of testing also assists the back end of the software to support various languages, encoding, currencies, site search, form data submission etc.
Advantages of Software Internationalization Testing
The advantages of the software internationalization testing are listed below −
- The software internationalization testing helps to enhance the visibility, and user base around the globe with the help of the customized content rendering.
- The internationalization testing supports the use of single source code with the international standard for every version of the software.
- The internationalization testing enables the global release of the software without additional time, cost, and effort.
- The internationalization testing improves the architecture, and the source code of the software. It makes the maintenance process easier.
- The internationalization testing reduces the ownership cost for different versions of the software as per international standards.
Conclusion
This concludes our comprehensive take on the tutorial on Software Internationalization Testing. Weve started with describing what is software internationalization testing, what is software localization, why is software internationalization testing performed, where is software internationalization testing performed, and what are the advantages of software internationalization testing. This equips you with in-depth knowledge of Software Internationalization Testing. It is wise to keep practicing what youve learned and exploring others relevant to Software Testing to deepen your understanding and expand your horizons.