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While the previous example explains the need for correct terminology, there is more than terminology to keep track of with internationalization. If anything you do includes a date and time, you'll need to be aware of the fact that not everyone uses the same method of marking time. Some use a 12-hour clock (3:00 p.m.), some a 24-hour clock (0800 hours). You cannot even assume that the year will be the same everywhere. Not only must you be aware of the format differences, but you must also consider the space it takes for the information. For instance, if you ask for someone's zip code (generally five digits in the United States) in a form, do NOT give them a field five characters long to fill in and only allow them to insert numbers. If you do, you will make it impossible for many people in southern California to provide you the information you need because their postal codes have nine digits. This could be vital delivery information. In doing so you would also cause problems for people from Canada, Australia, New Zealand or the United Kingdom, because not only are their postal codes six characters long, often with a space, but they use letters as well as numbers. If you fail to allow for at least seven alphanumeric characters, at best you could be making things difficult for potential customers. At worst, you could be offending them, making them feel like you do not respect them.
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