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ICU (International Components for Unicode) Syntax is used in internationalization (i18n) for formatting dates, times, numbers, currencies, and pluralization, ensuring software can be localized for different languages and regions. The ICU project provides a set of libraries and tools that enable developers to create applications that can be easily adapted to various locales.

ICU MF1 and MF2 Features

ICU has two main formats for message formatting: MF1 (MessageFormat version 1) and MF2 (MessageFormat version 2). Each version provides different features and capabilities for handling localization tasks.

MF1 Features

1. Basic Text Formatting: Allows for simple substitution of variables within strings.

   • Example:

     MessageFormat msgFormat = new MessageFormat("Hello, {0}!");
     String result = msgFormat.format(new Object[] { "John" });
     // Output: Hello, John!
     

2. Pluralization: Supports plural forms based on the count.

   • Example:

     MessageFormat msgFormat = new MessageFormat("You have {0} item(s).");
     String result = msgFormat.format(new Object[] { 1 });
     // Output: You have 1 item(s).
     

3. Date and Time Formatting: Provides formatting for dates and times.

   • Example:

     MessageFormat msgFormat = new MessageFormat("Today is {0, date, medium}.");
     String result = msgFormat.format(new Object[] { new Date() });
     // Output: Today is Jan 1, 2024.
     

MF2 Features

1. Enhanced Pluralization: More refined pluralization logic compared to MF1.

   • Example:

     MessageFormat msgFormat = new MessageFormat("You have {count, plural, one {1 item} other {{count} items}}.");
     String result = msgFormat.format(new HashMap<String, Object>() {{ put("count", 2); }});
     // Output: You have 2 items.
     

2. Gender Consideration: Allows for gender-specific messages.

   • Example:

     MessageFormat msgFormat = new MessageFormat("{gender, select, male {He} female {She} other {They}} went to the store.");
     String result = msgFormat.format(new HashMap<String, Object>() {{ put("gender", "male"); }});
     // Output: He went to the store.
     

3. Dynamic Argument Types: Supports various argument types and formats.

   • Example:

     MessageFormat msgFormat = new MessageFormat("The price is {0, number, currency}.");
     String result = msgFormat.format(new Object[] { 1234.56 });
     // Output: The price is $1,234.56 (depending on locale).
     

4. Relative Time Formatting: Provides support for relative time expressions.

   • Example:

     MessageFormat msgFormat = new MessageFormat("Submitted {0, relative} ago.");
     String result = msgFormat.format(new Object[] { new Date(System.currentTimeMillis() - 60000) });
     // Output: Submitted 1 minute ago.
     

Conclusion

ICU Syntax facilitates the localization of applications by offering powerful formatting options for various types of content. The transition from MF1 to MF2 introduces more advanced features that help manage the complexity of internationalization in modern software applications.