What to test in localization?

 What is the goal?   What does the software localization test survey? First we must be clear about the test the goal, and then we can determine the test strategy and the test content.

  The goal of software localization test.
 
          Guarantee localized software and the source language software have the same function and the performance. 
          Guarantee localized software conforms to the local user's custom such as language, culture, traditional ideas and so on. 
 

       
Test strategy of software localization test

1. The localized software must be installed on each kind of localization operating system and test. 
2. The source language software is installed on another source language operating system, to take the contrast test. 
3. Take the key test on the function and software interface mistake, which are caused by localization. 
4. Test localization software translation quality. 
5. The manual test and the automatic test should be unified.

The central content of software localization test

Test content is decided by the different test stage. For example, first build take software interface test as primary; middle build should focus on function and interface; finally build should take more test on install/uninstall, software help and main function.

Software interface test

   ·  Test if the buttons in software installation windows, the menu, the layout and so on are reasonable, artistic. 
   ·  Test if the interface of the localized software, including the localized typeface and the words in the menu, shortcut key, the dialog box, the screen prompt, the button, tabulates the frame.
   ·  Test if the translation of interface is consistent with the glossary, if there is any element that is not translated.

Software function test

   ·  Test if the localized software functions are the same as the source language software functions. 
   ·  Test if it supports the indigenous language the input and the output, like double-byte support and correct demonstration. 
   ·  Test if it supports local date, time, monetary symbol and so on. 
   ·  Test if it supports the indigenous language the filename and the table of contents name.

Install/Uninstall performance test

   ·  Check if the localized software can be installed/uninstalled correctly on local language operating system (including testing if it supports to be installed to local language table of contents). 
   ·  Check if install document, the quick way, the procedure icon, the registry and so on are consistent with the source language procedure before and after install/uninstall.

Help document function and translation quality

   ·  Check if the localized help document function is consistent with the source language software. 
   ·  Check if the layout of localized help document is reasonable and artistic. 
   ·  Check if the translation of localized help document is accurate and professional, and check if there is any not translated paragraph.