Getting Started with Next.js: Part 7 - Internationalization and Localization

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Introduction

Welcome to Part 7 of our Next.js series! Today, we focus on internationalization (i18n) and localization (l10n), which are crucial for creating applications that support multiple languages and regional differences. Next.js provides built-in support for internationalized routing and locale detection, which simplifies the process of localizing your application.

What is Internationalization and Localization?

• Internationalization (i18n): The process of designing a software application so that it can be adapted to various languages and regions without engineering changes.
• Localization (l10n): The process of adapting internationalized software for a specific region or language by adding locale-specific components and translating text.

Configuring Internationalization in Next.js

Next.js supports internationalization natively through its routing system. Here’s how to set it up:

Step 1: Update Next.js Configuration

1. Modify next.config.js:

   • Enable and configure the internationalization preferences:

    module.exports = {
      i18n: {
        locales: ['en-US', 'fr', 'es'], // List of supported locales
        defaultLocale: 'en-US',         // Default locale
      },
    };
   

Step 2: Add Locale-Specific Pages

1. Create Locale-Specific Versions of Pages:
   • For instance, to create a French version of your homepage, you might create a file named index.js under pages/fr.

Step 3: Using Locale Information in Your Application

1. Accessing the Current Locale:

   • Next.js automatically provides locale information via the router object, which you can use in your components:

    import { useRouter } from 'next/router';
   
    function MyComponent() {
      const router = useRouter();
      const { locale } = router;
   
      return <p>Current locale: {locale}</p>;
    }
   

Handling Locale-Switching

Allow users to switch between languages dynamically:

Step 1: Implement a Language Switcher

1. Create a Language Selector Component:

   • This component enables users to switch between the available locales:

    import { useRouter } from 'next/router';
   
    function LanguageSwitcher() {
      const router = useRouter();
      const { locale, locales, asPath } = router;
   
      const handleLocaleChange = (event) => {
        const newLocale = event.target.value;
        router.push(asPath, asPath, { locale: newLocale });
      };
   
      return (
        <select value={locale} onChange={handleLocaleChange}>
          {locales.map((loc) => (
            <option key={loc} value={loc}>{loc}</option>
          ))}
        </select>
      );
    }
   
    export default LanguageSwitcher;
   

Conclusion

Internationalization and localization are vital for reaching a global audience with your Next.js application. By leveraging Next.js's built-in i18n support, you can easily offer multi-language support that enhances user experience and accessibility.

Stay tuned for Part 8, where we will explore state management and API integration strategies in Next.js.

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This guide introduces the basics of setting up internationalization and localization in a Next.js application, helping you create a multi-language website. If there's anything specific you’d like to add or another aspect of Next.js you want to explore next, just let me know!

Comments

[Steve Tomi]

So do I have to build a website with each individual languages??