22 May 2024 Leave a comment Tech-Help
Understanding the current language setting on an Android device can be crucial for various applications, especially if your app needs to support multiple languages. This guide will provide you with the most effective methods to retrieve the current language setting of your Android device, ensuring compatibility across different versions of Android.
Using the Locale Class
The Locale class provides a straightforward way to retrieve various pieces of information about the current locale. Here are some useful methods:
Locale.getDefault().getLanguage(): Returns the language code (e.g., “en” for English, “de” for German).Locale.getDefault().getISO3Language(): Returns the ISO3 language code (e.g., “eng” for English).Locale.getDefault().getCountry(): Returns the country code (e.g., “US” for the United States).Locale.getDefault().getDisplayLanguage(): Returns the display name of the language (e.g., “English”).
Compatibility with Android Nougat and Above
For applications targeting Android Nougat (API level 24) and above, the preferred method is to use the LocaleList class:
if (Build.VERSION.SDK_INT >= Build.VERSION_CODES.N) {
Locale locale = Resources.getSystem().getConfiguration().getLocales().get(0);
} else {
locale = Resources.getSystem().getConfiguration().locale;
}This ensures that your application remains compatible with older versions of Android while taking advantage of the improved API in newer versions.
Using the Support Library
Starting with support library 26.1.0, you can use a backward-compatible method to retrieve the current locale:
LocaleListCompat.getLocales(Resources.getSystem().getConfiguration()).get(0).getLanguage()Practical Example
Here’s a practical example that combines the methods discussed above:
public Locale getCurrentLocale() {
if (Build.VERSION.SDK_INT >= Build.VERSION_CODES.N) {
return Resources.getSystem().getConfiguration().getLocales().get(0);
} else {
return Resources.getSystem().getConfiguration().locale;
}
}This function will return the current locale of the device, ensuring compatibility across different Android versions.
Conclusion
Retrieving the current language setting on an Android device is a common requirement for many applications. By using the methods and examples provided in this guide, you can ensure that your app remains compatible across different versions of Android while providing accurate locale information.
Streamlining Mobile App Testing with Repeato
When developing multilingual applications, thorough testing is essential to ensure that all language settings are correctly handled. This is where Repeato can be a game-changer. Repeato is a No-code test automation tool for iOS and Android that allows you to create, run, and maintain automated tests for your apps efficiently.
With Repeato, you can quickly edit and run tests based on computer vision and AI, ensuring that your app behaves correctly in different language settings. This tool is particularly useful for mobile developers, as it allows them to focus on creating a great product rather than spending excessive time on test automation. Additionally, non-technical colleagues or QA teams can easily take over the task of test automation, further streamlining the development process.
Learn more about how Repeato can enhance your mobile app testing by visiting our documentation page.
