# Ofbiz Plugins

> This skill covers localization techniques in OFBiz that go beyond standard UI labels, focusing on data formatting and locale-aware logic. Use when this capability is needed.

- Skill: `tomevault-io/ofbiz-plugins` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 2 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add tomevault-io/ofbiz-plugins`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/tomevault-io/ofbiz-plugins/raw
- Safety review: pending (external: skill-scanner PASS, skillspector CAUTION)
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: tomevault-io (https://skillmd.com/u/tomevault-io)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/tomevault-io/ofbiz-plugins

---

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---
name: manage-localization-advanced
description: Manage advanced localization in OFBiz, including date/time formatting, currency conversion, and locale-specific data handling beyond simple labels.
---

# Manage Localization Advanced Skill

This skill covers localization techniques in OFBiz that go beyond standard UI labels, focusing on data formatting and locale-aware logic.

## Date and Time Localization

Use `UtilDateTime` for date arithmetic and locale-specific date retrieval.

### Pattern: Formatting Dates
```java
// Format date for specific locale and timezone
String formattedDate = UtilFormatOut.formatDate(myDate, "yyyy-MM-dd", locale, timeZone);

// Format date-time for specific locale and timezone
String formattedDateTime = UtilFormatOut.formatDateTime(myTimestamp, "yyyy-MM-dd HH:mm", locale, timeZone);
```

### Pattern: Date Arithmetic
```java
// Get start of month for a timestamp
Timestamp monthStart = UtilDateTime.getMonthStart(nowTimestamp, timeZone, locale);

// Add days to timestamp
Timestamp weekLater = UtilDateTime.addDaysToTimestamp(nowTimestamp, 7);
```

## Currency and Number Formatting

Use `UtilFormatOut` and `UtilNumber` for currency and numeric formatting.

### Pattern: Formatting Currency
```java
// Format currency based on ISO code and locale
String priceStr = UtilFormatOut.formatCurrency(priceBigDecimal, "USD", locale);

// Format percentage
String percentStr = UtilFormatOut.formatPercentage(discountDouble);
```

## UOM (Unit of Measure) System

OFBiz uses the `Uom` and `UomConversion` entities for units of measure and currency conversion.

### Pattern: Currency Conversion
```java
// Convert currency using standard service
Map<String, Object> results = dispatcher.runSync("convertUom", UtilMisc.toMap(
    "uomId", "USD",
    "uomIdTo", "EUR",
    "originalValue", priceAmount
));
BigDecimal convertedValue = (BigDecimal) results.get("convertedValue");
```

## Localized Data Storage

For properties stored in the database (e.g., system settings), use `EntityUtilProperties`.

### Pattern: Localized DB Properties
```xml
<!-- In SystemProperty.xml -->
<SystemProperty systemResourceId="general" systemPropertyId="currency.uom.id.default" systemPropertyValue="USD"/>
```

```java
// Retrieve localized property from DB
String currencyId = EntityUtilProperties.getPropertyValue("general", "currency.uom.id.default", delegator);
```

## Best Practices

1. **Always Pass Locale/TimeZone**: Never rely on `Locale.getDefault()` or `TimeZone.getDefault()` in multi-user web applications; always use the user's session locale and timezone.
2. **Use UOM Entities**: Prefer the `Uom` system for dimensions, weights, and currencies rather than hardcoding units.
3. **Handle GMT**: Use `UtilDateTime.toGmtTimestampString()` for logging or external API integrations that require a standard time representation.
4. **Prefer UtilFormatOut**: Use the utility classes for formatting to ensure consistency across the application.

---
> Source: [apache/ofbiz-plugins](https://github.com/apache/ofbiz-plugins) — distributed by [TomeVault](https://tomevault.io).
<!-- tomevault:4.0:skill_md:2026-06-20 -->