I would like to work on improving OFBiz's support for internationalization.
When I first started work on the internationalization of OFBiz date/time methods, I relied on the java.util.* classes and Sun's advice. I'm starting to change how I feel about that. I think we should use the ICU (http://site.icu-project.org/) library instead. Here's why: 1. Sun's JavaDocs made it sound like different calendaring systems would be available in the JRE, but as far as I know (and I may be wrong) the JRE only supports a Gregorian calendar. ICU supports many international calendars. 2. Time zone parameters change yearly. In order to have accurate time zone information, OFBiz installations have to keep updating their JRE. With ICU, they could use an older JRE and they would only have to update OFBiz or just the ICU library. 3. The ICU library has far better support (so they say) of internationalization that the Sun classes. If we make the change, the java.util.* classes will have to be replaced with the ICU classes. The class APIs are the same, so that shouldn't cause any problems. I converted my local copy to use the ICU classes, did a full clean and build and didn't experience any problems - the classes are compatible functionally. After the change is made, users will be able to set a calendar preference in addition to locale and time zone. What do you think? -Adrian
