# Arabic Localization Foundations

This ExecPlan follows `docs/PLANS.md`.

## Purpose / Big Picture
Ship i18n plumbing for `ar-sa` first (locale selection, RTL behavior, user preference), with full translation breadth deferred.

## Progress
- [x] (2026-02-27 00:00Z) Plan created.
- [x] (2026-02-28 12:20Z) Backend locale middleware + user preference landed.
- [x] (2026-02-28 12:30Z) Frontend i18n + RTL switching landed.
- [x] (2026-02-28 12:40Z) Basic tests/docs updated.
- [ ] Complete translation coverage and broader RTL QA as features expand.

## Surprises & Discoveries
- Observation: none critical after implementation.
  Evidence: targeted locale/RTL tests passed for initial scope.

## Decision Log
- Decision: `ar-sa` default locale with `en` fallback.
  Rationale: KSA-first product target.
  Date/Author: 2026-02-27/Codex
- Decision: deliver foundations first, defer full string coverage.
  Rationale: reduce churn while core product flows are still evolving.
  Date/Author: 2026-02-28/Codex

## Outcomes & Retrospective
Foundations complete; translation completeness remains open.

## Context and Orientation
- Backend locale settings/middleware: `backend/salon_api/settings.py`, `backend/apps/accounts/middleware.py`
- Frontend i18n/RTL: `frontend/src/i18n/`, `frontend/src/main.jsx`, `frontend/src/styles.css`

## Plan of Work
Next phase: expand string coverage and run end-to-end RTL checks on all added routes/components.

## Validation and Acceptance
- Backend: locale header behavior matches user preference/`Accept-Language`.
- Frontend: language toggle sets `lang` + `dir`, persists across refresh.
- Commands:
  - `cd backend && python3 -m pytest`
  - `cd frontend && npm run test`

## Idempotence and Recovery
Locale config is additive and safe to reapply; translation catalogs can be regenerated.