[tor-talk] Merging all languages (locales) into one Tor Browser package?

["Sebastian G. <bastik.tor>" <bastik.tor@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hello,

by how much would the file size of the Tor Browser package or
"installer" be increased if it would contain all languages?

Currently every locale got its own package or "installer", why not just
having one?

Upsides:
- Less space required to store Tor Browser packages, overall. (For the
servers of Tor and the mirrors)
- User's don't have to download two or more packages if they speak
multiple languages. (Includes not to have to download another package
for a friend that is more comfortable with its native language.)
- Less "searching" for the right package. ("Where is my language.")
- Maybe less bandwidth used.
- Maybe less time for packing. (Depends on how the process actually
works to get reproducible packages per locale.)
- Less hashing and signing required (although I assume it is done in a
batch process).

Upcoming upsides (by or for stuff that is planned, but not ready):
- Less voting on correct hashes for including them in the consensus.
- Less entries in the consensus, therefore lesser in size, therefore
lower bandwidth usage required.

Downsides:
- Higher file size for the package.
- Higher bandwidth requirement for single package users.
- Users have to select their language during "install". (UI problem?)
- Maybe more bandwidth used from the servers of Tor POV and their mirrors.

I verify the package I use, but no other package. Assuming that
signatures are not checked by every user, having more packages increases
the blind spot, especially for languages with fewer users.

Are there any reasons to distribute the Tor Browser in packages per
locale? With other words. Why is it done how it is done?

Best regards,
Sebastian G. (bastik.tor)
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