Скачать или смотреть How to Add Localisation for Date Formatter in iOS

Learn how to implement `localisation` for date formatting in an iOS application to support multiple languages like English and Chinese.
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How to Add Localisation for Date Formatter in iOS

When developing an iOS app, one of the key considerations is how to present information in a way that's understandable for users from different cultures and languages. This is particularly important when dealing with dates and times, as these can have varying formats across different locales.

In this guide, we’ll explore how to localize date formatting in Swift, allowing you to support multiple languages including both English and Chinese.

The Problem

You may have a date formatting function in your project that displays dates correctly in English but doesn't switch to a localized format when the app is set to a different language such as Chinese. Instead of showing months and times in an appropriate format, the output remains in English.

Existing Function

Here is an example of the original function used for formatting the date:

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Output Example

Given this setup, the output looks like this for an English locale:

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However, if you switch the app's language to Chinese, the date string remains unchanged. Thus, the result isn't user-friendly for Chinese-speaking users.

The Solution

To solve this issue, you need to use a more flexible approach to formatting dates that accommodates different locales. Below are two effective solutions you can implement to achieve this.

Option 1: Using Localized Date Format Template

Instead of using a fixed date format, use a template format that takes the locale into account. Here's how you can modify your function:

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Option 2: Using dateStyle and timeStyle

For an even simpler approach, utilize the dateStyle and timeStyle properties of DateFormatter. This method automatically adjusts the format according to the specified locale:

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How to Call This Function

You can call the function using both US and Chinese locales as shown below:

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Conclusion

By adopting either of the methods described above, you can ensure that your iOS app displays dates in a way that is appropriate and understandable for users no matter which language they are using. Localizing dates not only enhances the user experience but also reflects your commitment to inclusivity and accessibility in your app development.

Now, you're well on your way to making your app more user-friendly for diverse audiences!