What is Localization Testing? Example Test Cases & Checklist


Localization Testing

Localization testing is a software testing approach that examines a program's behavior in relation to a particular location, locality, or culture. The goal of localization testing is to ensure that a software's linguistic and cultural characteristics are acceptable for a certain location. It is the process of adapting software to a certain language and country.

Localization testing has a significant impact on content and user interface.

It is a method of evaluating a globalized application in where the user interface, default language, currency, date, time format, and documentation are all tailored to the target nation or area. It guarantees that the application is suitable for use in the nation in question.

Example

  • If the project is for the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, it should be written in Tamil, with a Tamil virtual keyboard included, and so on.

  • If the project is intended for use in the United States, the time format should be adjusted to reflect American Standard Time. In addition, the language and money format should be consistent with those in the United States.

The following essential sections should be modified when localizing an application −

  • Formats for dates and times

  • The currency that was utilized

  • Use of the keyboard

  • Sorting, aligning, and compiling information

  • Color palettes, symbols, and icons are all included.

  • Text and visuals may be perceived as sensitive or misunderstood in a certain culture.

  • Various legal obligations

Digivante: A tool that is highly recommended −

Making sure translated text is literally correct and uses the local dialect is simply one aspect of localization. Technical, visual, and linguistic tests, such as words and phrases, might all contain cultural nuance that isn't always apparent.

They may detect flaws with language and context, such as improper linguistic words and size options, or payment platforms that aren't immediately identifiable.

What is the purpose of localization testing?

The goal of localization testing is to ensure that linguistic and cultural characteristics are acceptable for a certain location. It might involve changes to the user interface or even the basic settings, depending on the needs.

Many separate testers will do identical duties in this sort of testing. They check for typographical mistakes, cultural appropriateness of the user interface, language faults, and other issues.

It's also known as "L10N" since the word "localization" has ten characters between the letters L and N.

Localization Testing Features −

  • Localized user interface − It checks how local influences the user interface. As a result, the user interface may be considered to be built in such a manner that it is pleasant for certain people.

  • Localized content − The application's various contents are tailored to the local culture, and a test is carried out to ensure that it is acceptable to locals.

  • Certain Language − A test is run to determine which languages the program supports in order to determine whether the software is compatible with the language of a specific location.

  • Compatibility with Hardware − The purpose of a hardware compatibility test is to ensure that the software and hardware are compatible with the specified area.

Process of Localization Testing −

Set up the testing environment − First and foremost, the testing environment must be set up in order to conduct high-quality testing. This aids in the development of a high-quality software testing methodology.

Select a product − Select the product for which localization testing will be conducted. As a result, testing is concentrated on the product.

Script Generator − The script is written in accordance with the local and cultural customs.

Comparison − To assess the software's quality, the inherent attribute and the local attributes are now compared. The user interface or language, for example, is compared to the correspondence of a certain location.

Analysis and Outcome − The success or failure of the comparison testing procedure is determined once it has been completed. In addition, the results are sent to the development team for consideration in various areas of the application.

Localization testing can be automated.

If the project is large and requires frequent testing, we use Automation Testing.

To write scripts, select an automation tool.

Consider the scenario that will be used to evaluate the localization approach.

Create scripts based on it.

Gather the information and mark the scenario as Pass/Fail.

Note − Selenium is one of the first tools used in this field. It has a lot of features, but it takes more technical know-how to utilize.

The most effective methods Localization Testing Checklist

  • Engage the services of a localization company that specializes in i18n engineering.

  • Make sure your localization testing approach allows for additional time for languages with multiple bytes.

  • Before extracting any text to send for translation, make sure your code is correctly internationalized for the DBCS.

Example Test Cases for Localization Testing

  • Glossary is accessible for use and reference.

  • The time and date are formatted correctly for the target area.

  • The target region's phone number formats are correct.

  • The target region's currency.

  • Do the License and Rules comply with the current website's requirements? (region).

  • The pages' text content layout is error-free, with font independence and line alignments.

  • Functions for special characters, hyperlinks, and hotkeys.

  • Input Field Validation Messages

  • The produced build contains all of the required files.

  • The translated screen has the same components and numbers as the original product.

  • Verify that the localized user interface of software or web applications in target operating systems and user contexts matches the source user interface.

Localization Testing Benefits

The following are some of the advantages of localization testing.

  • The overall cost of testing is reduced.

  • The overall cost of assistance is lower.

  • Reduces the amount of time spent testing.

  • It provides more scalability and flexibility.

Localization Testing's Drawbacks

The problems of localization testing are listed below.

  • A domain specialist is required.

  • The cost of hiring a local translation is frequently prohibitive.

  • The storage of DBCS characters varies by country.

  • A tester may experience scheduling difficulties.

The following are some examples of localization testing situations.

  • Unicode support for internationalization.

  • Translation verification.

  • Global conceptual signs

  • Operating system independent Keyboard Shortcuts

  • RTL support

  • Text in Images

  • Language agnostic database input

  • Data format support for multiple continents.

  • Configuration and Compatibility Issues

  • Adaptable UI Code

Let's go through each scenario and how to deal with it.

  • Is Unicode support available in the software? The program must have the built-in Unicode capability to support localization or i18n.

  • Verification of Translation − Was the UI translation checked by a local or international language tester?

  • Is the UI compatible with symbols or signs that are internationally recognized for certain actions? Stop symbol, for example. Alternatively, the question mark symbol.

  • Shortcuts on the keyboard − Does the program provide OS-independent shortcuts or only OS-specific shortcuts?

  • Support for RTL − Does the program allow for left-to-right or right-to-left reading in the UI?

  • Database Compatibility − Can software accept foreign language input and still work effectively if the language is changed within the database? Or if a file saved in one language may be opened in the same program that supports other languages? What percentage of crossing is handled?

  • Data formats − Input data in several continents varies depending on SI or Metric systems. The date format in the United States, for example, differs from that in the United Kingdom or Asia. So, how does software deal with data format changes like this?

  • Adaptable Code − Is it necessary to alter code for each language? Or does the code stay the same underneath and just language support has to be added?

  • Issues with Configuration − Does the software require additional configuration to change the language?

  • Issues with Software Compatibility − Does software compatibility differ depending on the operating system and language? How does the problem deal with the by-product?

So, answering these questions will offer you a notion of how to deal with software localization issues. You'll also learn how to keep the user interface constantly despite language changes.

Summary

Localization testing is done in Software Engineering to ensure that a product acts according to the local culture or circumstances.

Localization testing has a significant impact on content and user interface.

The tester checks for typographical mistakes, cultural appropriateness of the user interface, language problems, and other issues.

Updated on: 30-Nov-2021

2K+ Views

Kickstart Your Career

Get certified by completing the course

Get Started
Advertisements