Locale-Sensitive JavaScript Constructor

new Intl.DateTimeFormat();
new Intl.DateTimeFormat(locales);
new Intl.DateTimeFormat(locales, options);


Internationalization (I18n) Method Overview

The Intl.DateTimeFormat constructor returns an object that can then be used to format a date based on locale. If no parameters are passed to the constructor, then the default locale is used. Fallback is support with the locales parameters, which may be an array of locales. options can be used to override the locale's default formatting settings.

Click here (MDN) for additional details.

I18n Issues

Whether or not calling Intl.DateTimeFormat is an i18n issue is dependent on how it is being used in the application. Two possible issues are:

• The formatted date needs to be locale-independent; i.e always the same, regardless the locale.
• A version of the constructor is being called that does not include the locales parameter and so dates may not be formatted based on the application's locale.

Suggested Replacement

Don't use the Intl.DateTimeFormat object to format dates that should be locale-independent. Instead, call the Microsoft .NET JavaScript Extension format method or toString to format dates independent of locale. You could also use the options argument to override all locale format settings, ensuring the same format, regardless the locale.

Otherwise, be sure that the locale is set properly and then pass it into the constructor.

Globalyzer will detect this method and report it as an i18n issue. If you have determined that the call is being handled correctly, you can use Globalyzer's Ignore Comment functionality to ensure that it isn't picked up in a subsequent scan.