What is the difference between localization and internationalization?

Internationalization (i18n) is the process of preparing a product to support multiple languages and cultures without changing the source code. It includes architectural decisions, separating texts from code, supporting different formats for dates, numbers, etc.

Localization (l10n) is the process of adapting a product for a specific language, region, or culture. It involves translating texts, adjusting formats, local peculiarities, and cultural nuances.

In simpler terms:

• i18n — creating a flexible system that can support different languages and regions.
• l10n — the specific implementation of this support for a particular language or region.

For example, first you create an application that can display texts in any language (i18n), and then you translate the interface into Russian and adapt the date format for Russia (l10n).