Why I18N and L10N?

I'm currently working on a project developed in Python. I don't know the Python language and for this reason I decided to read a tutorial (I don't know if I'll write something on this topic). Reading I discovered the meaning of symbols I18N and L10N:

• InternationalizatioN - I18N where 18 refers to the number of letters omitted between "I" and "N";
• LocalicazioN - L10N where 10 referes to the number of letters omitted between "L" and "N";

Great, I learned something new! :)

Salvo.