Ok, so I understand the high-level reason Base Localization is used in an app, the problem it solves, and the ultimate goal it's trying to achieve.
But I don't understand the real meaning of the concept of "Base". What is it exactly? I've got several questions
Question 1: Is it called Base Localization? Base Internationalization? Just "Base"? Are all these synonyms? I will use the term "Base Localization" for the remainder of this question.
Question 2: Yes/No Question: Is Base Localization really a localization?
If the answer is YES:
Question 2.1: Then why does this answer say that it's not? Is the answer right or wrong ? (That forum contains very good explanations, but I want to be strict with the meaning of "Base")
Question 2.2: See the images below. Why does it get grouped with other 'real' languages (Spanish, French...)? In which country is the "Base" language spoken? (I know that's an ironical question, but it's to make my point clear).
If the answer is NO:
Question 2.3: If I create a new app from scratch in Xcode, why does Base get printed when I do the following?
print(Bundle.main.localizations) // Base gets printed..so that implies it's a localization, just like Spanish or French
Question 2.4. Basically, the opposite of question 2.2. If it's NOT a localization, then why does it get listed under the "Localization" section of the Info Tab of the project settings?
Question 3: I've seen the term "Base language" used around in several docs. What's the difference between "Development Language" and "Base Language"? Are these synonyms? Could it be possible that they be different?
Question 4. Is there a situation where Base localization shouldn't be used in an app? (That is, leave the option unchecked in the Info Tab of Project settings). The only situation I can think of is when you build programmatically your UI layouts. But even if you do that, there's no harm in leaving the option checked. Or is there?
Question 4.1 If there isn't any harm, then why even give the option? Just set it to true always internally (and don't even expose the concept of "Base" to the end-developers).
This isn't a specific question. There's no particular problem I'm trying to solve. I just want to understand what "Base" truly means and clear some fuzziness around that concept.