What variable is used to change all localization environment settings in Linux?

The variable used to change all localization environment settings in Linux is LANG. This environment variable defines the locale that is used by programs to process and display messages in a specific language, as well as format data such as dates, numbers, and currency according to regional conventions. Setting the LANG variable effectively tells the system which locale to use, impacting the behavior of various applications by specifying the language and regional settings for that session.

When LANG is set, it can influence other related variables, such as LC_MESSAGES, LC_TIME, and LC_NUMERIC, which control more specific aspects of localization. This hierarchical structure allows for a global setting (LANG) that can be further customized with specific settings if needed. By modifying the LANG variable, users can ensure that they receive outputs and messages in their preferred language, providing a more user-friendly experience in a multilingual environment.