How to load CLDR data in Globalize?

Use Globalize.load() with CLDR JSON data, typically from packages like cldr-data, and load specific files based on needed modules (e.g., numbers.json for number formatting). The README provides a dependency table to guide this.

Globalize vs i18next: which should I use?

Globalize excels with CLDR-based precision and modularity for formatting/parsing, while i18next is better for simpler translation management and framework integration. Choose Globalize for complex locale-specific formats, i18next for straightforward message translation.

Does Globalize support dynamic locale switching?

Yes, but it requires reloading CLDR data for new locales and re-creating formatters, which can be performance-intensive without precompilation. Caching formatters per locale is recommended for efficiency.

How to format dates in different time zones?

Load IANA time zone data via Globalize.loadTimeZone(), then use the timeZone option in date formatters (e.g., .dateFormatter({ timeZone: 'America/New_York' })). This allows formatting independent of the user's environment.

Can I use Globalize with webpack?

Yes, Globalize integrates with webpack via examples in the README, supporting precompilation for production to reduce runtime overhead. You'll need to configure CLDR data loading and possibly use the Globalize Compiler.

What browsers does Globalize support?

Globalize 1.x supports modern browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Safari 5.1+, Opera, and IE9+, as listed in the Browser Support section. It does not rely on cutting-edge JavaScript features.

How to optimize Globalize for performance?

Cache formatters and parsers during creation, and use the Globalize Compiler to precompile them at build time, skipping CLDR data loading in production. The README emphasizes this for faster execution.

Globalize — JavaScript I18n & Localization Library

What is Globalize?

Globalize is a JavaScript library for internationalization and localization that provides formatting and parsing for dates, numbers, currencies, messages, and more based on Unicode CLDR data. It solves the problem of displaying culturally appropriate formats (like date structures, number groupings, and currency symbols) for users in different locales, ensuring applications are globally usable.

Target Audience

JavaScript developers building web or Node.js applications that need to support multiple languages and regional formats, such as e-commerce platforms, content management systems, or any software with a global user base.

Value Proposition

Developers choose Globalize because it is modular, relies on the authoritative Unicode CLDR dataset, works consistently across browsers and Node.js, and allows fine-grained control over locale data loading without embedding content, reducing bundle size and keeping data up-to-date.

A JavaScript library for internationalization and localization that leverages the official Unicode CLDR JSON data

Use Cases

Best For

Formatting dates and times for different locales in a web application
Parsing user-entered numbers and currencies in local formats
Implementing ICU message patterns with pluralization and gender support
Displaying relative time (e.g., '2 days ago') in multiple languages
Building applications that require consistent i18n across browser and server
Optimizing i18n performance by precompiling formatters for production

Not Ideal For

Projects needing zero-configuration i18n with embedded locale data
Teams using modern frameworks like React or Vue with built-in i18n libraries (e.g., react-i18next)
Applications requiring real-time locale switching without precompiled formatters
Environments where native Ecma-402 APIs are sufficient and preferred for performance

Pros & Cons

Pros

Authoritative Locale Data

Based on Unicode CLDR, the most extensive standard for locale data, ensuring cultural accuracy and frequent updates without library bloat, as noted in the README's philosophy.

Modular and Efficient

Allows loading only specific modules (e.g., date, number) and supports formatter caching and compilation, reducing bundle size and improving performance in production builds.

Cross-Platform Consistency

Runs identically in browsers and Node.js, providing reliable i18n across client and server environments, which is highlighted in the design goals.

Advanced Formatting Features

Includes time zone support for date formatting independent of user environment and ICU message format for complex pluralization and gender inflections.

Cons

Complex Initial Setup

Requires manual loading of CLDR and IANA time zone data separately, adding configuration steps and dependencies that can be cumbersome for quick projects.

No Native API Leverage

Does not use Ecma-402 APIs, missing potential performance gains in modern environments where native formatting is available, as admitted in the README.

Steep Learning Curve

Understanding CLDR data structures and module dependencies (e.g., for currency formatting) requires deeper i18n knowledge, making it less accessible for beginners.

Breaking Changes History

Migration from Globalize 0.x to 1.x was necessary, indicating past API instability that could affect long-term maintenance for early adopters.

What is Globalize?

Target Audience

Value Proposition

Use Cases

Best For

Formatting dates and times for different locales in a web application
Parsing user-entered numbers and currencies in local formats
Implementing ICU message patterns with pluralization and gender support
Displaying relative time (e.g., '2 days ago') in multiple languages
Building applications that require consistent i18n across browser and server
Optimizing i18n performance by precompiling formatters for production

Not Ideal For

Projects needing zero-configuration i18n with embedded locale data
Teams using modern frameworks like React or Vue with built-in i18n libraries (e.g., react-i18next)
Applications requiring real-time locale switching without precompiled formatters
Environments where native Ecma-402 APIs are sufficient and preferred for performance

Pros & Cons

Pros

Authoritative Locale Data

Based on Unicode CLDR, the most extensive standard for locale data, ensuring cultural accuracy and frequent updates without library bloat, as noted in the README's philosophy.

Modular and Efficient

Allows loading only specific modules (e.g., date, number) and supports formatter caching and compilation, reducing bundle size and improving performance in production builds.

Cross-Platform Consistency

Runs identically in browsers and Node.js, providing reliable i18n across client and server environments, which is highlighted in the design goals.

Advanced Formatting Features

Includes time zone support for date formatting independent of user environment and ICU message format for complex pluralization and gender inflections.

Cons

Complex Initial Setup

Requires manual loading of CLDR and IANA time zone data separately, adding configuration steps and dependencies that can be cumbersome for quick projects.

No Native API Leverage

Does not use Ecma-402 APIs, missing potential performance gains in modern environments where native formatting is available, as admitted in the README.

Steep Learning Curve

Understanding CLDR data structures and module dependencies (e.g., for currency formatting) requires deeper i18n knowledge, making it less accessible for beginners.

Breaking Changes History

Migration from Globalize 0.x to 1.x was necessary, indicating past API instability that could affect long-term maintenance for early adopters.

Globalize

What is Globalize?

Overview

Use Cases

Best For

Not Ideal For

Pros & Cons

Pros

Cons

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Projects

Found a gem we're missing?

Globalize

What is Globalize?

Overview

Use Cases

Best For

Not Ideal For

Pros & Cons

Pros

Cons

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Projects

Found a gem we're missing?