Globalization Testing and Localization Testing – Key Differences
Thomas Hamilton
Key Difference between Globalization Testing and Localization Testing
- Globalization focuses on the application’s world-wide capabilities whereas localization focuses on a subset of users in a given culture or locale.
- In a globalized product, the code is separated from the messages or information while it is not necessary for the localized product
- Globalization ensures that without breaking functionality, code can handle all international support, whereas Localization ensures verification of linguistic accuracy and resource attributes.
- Globalization detects potential problems in application whereas localization provides validation of all application resources.
What is Globalization Testing?
Globalization Testing is a software testing method used to ensure that the software application can function in any culture or locale (language, territory or code page) by testing the software functionalities using each type of international input possible. The purpose of Globalization testing is to ensure that software can be used internationally or worldwide. It is also called Internationalization Testing.
What is Localization Testing?
Localization testing is the software testing technique in which the behavior of a software is tested for a specific region, locale or culture. The purpose of doing localization testing for a software is to test appropriate linguistic and cultural aspects for a particular locale. It is the process of customizing the software as per the targeted language and country. The major area affected by localization testing includes content and UI.
Differences Between Globalization Testing and Localization Testing
| Globalization Testing | Localization Testing |
|---|---|
| Globalization testing checks the proper functioning of the product, using every type of international input possible. It ensures that without breaking functionality the code can handle all international support. For example I18N, is the process of planning and implementing products and services so that they can easily be adapted to specific languages and culture. | Localizing testing is done to ensure the quality of a product for a particular target or locale. For example, for French users, the testing product is denoted as L10N. |
| In a globalized product, a code is separated from the messages or information. With the help of globalization, it enables software to be used with different languages without having to redesign the complete software. | This is not necessary for a Localized product |
| Globalization focuses your application’s capabilities on users as the generic user base. | Localization focuses on a subset of users in a given culture or locale. |
| Separation of testers from translators and engineers, ensuring a thorough and impartial approach. | It helps to reduce a time for testing since it’s done for just on locale |
| Formalized bug reporting | It reduces overall testing and support costs |
| Detect potential problems in application design that could inhibit globalization | Validation of all application resources |
| It ensures that without breaking functionality code can handle all international support | Verification of linguistic accuracy and resource attributes. Check Typographical errors |
| Compatibility tests of hardware and application according to the product’s target region | Confirmation of input and display environment standards, adherence to the system. Usability of User Interface |