c localization functions

In computing, locale.h is a C programming language header file, used for purposes of localization. The header provides two key functions: localeconv and setlocale. The former provides access to the current locale, while the latter allows one to set the current locale. The header also defines the struct lconv, which stores information about a given locale, including the local preference for the display of numbers and currency.

Criticism

C standard localization functions are criticized because the localization state is stored globally. This means that in a given program all operations involving a locale can use only one locale at a time. As a result, it is very difficult to implement programs that use more than one locale.^[1]

Overview of functions

C localization functions and types are defined in locale.h (clocale header in C++).

struct lconv

• explain formatting monetary and other numeric values.

char* decimal point;

• decimal point for non-monetary values

char* grouping;

• size pf digit groups for non-monetary values

struct lconv* localeconv(void);
char* setlocale(int, const char*); charthousand sep;

• separator for non-monetary values

char* currency symbol;

• currency symbol

char* int curr symbol;

• international currency symbol

char*mon-decimal point

• decimal point for monetary values

char* mon grouping;

• sizes of digit groups for monetary values

char* mon thousand sep;

• separator for digit groups for monetary values

^{[infosys 1]}

Example

#include <stdio.h>
#include <stdlib.h>
#include <locale.h>

int main(void)
{/* Locale is set to "C" before this. This call sets it
       to the "current locale" by reading environment variables: */
    setlocale(LC_ALL, "");

    const struct lconv * const currentlocale = localeconv();

    printf("In the current locale, the default currency symbol is: %s\n",
        currentlocale->currency_symbol);

    return EXIT_SUCCESS;}

References

1. "The Standard C Locale and the Standard C++ Locales". Rogue Wave Software, Inc. 1996.

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