This comprehensive guide presents Microsoft's own guidelines for programmers and interface designers interested in creating international software tailored for Windows 95 and Windows NT environments. With a focus on enhancing user experience across diverse languages and cultures, this book equips developers with practical insights and techniques needed to navigate the complexities of internationalization.
The first section addresses the essential issues in designing global programs, highlighting the importance of handling multilingual input and output efficiently. It lays the groundwork for understanding how to adapt software for different linguistic requirements, ensuring that applications can be utilized seamlessly by a global audience.
Following the introduction, the core of the book comprises an extensive collection of 23 appendices. These invaluable resources cover an array of topics, including punctuation, sort orders, and locale-specific code-page information. Each appendix is designed to provide programmers with quick access to crucial data, enhancing their development process.
Also included are detailed DBCS (Double-Byte Character Set) and Unicode mapping tables, along with comprehensive explanations of multilingual API (Application Programming Interface) functions and structures. This depth of information empowers developers to effectively manage various character encodings, ensuring that their applications are robust and adaptable to varying global standards.
Overall, this guide serves as a vital reference for anyone involved in software development with a focus on international markets. Its structured approach and rich content make it a standout addition to the library of any programming professional.