Using IEBPTPCH, you can print or punch data sets that contain double-byte character set (DBCS) data. A double-byte character set is used to represent languages too complex for the standard single-byte character set. Japanese, for example, requires a double-byte character set. To indicate that DBCS data must be processed, code the DBCS=YES parameter on the PRINT or PUNCH statements.

Double-byte character set strings are identified by being enclosed in the shift-out (<) and shift-in (>) characters. When IEBPTPCH sees the shift-out character, it understands that your data is now "shifting out" of a single-byte character set string, and when it sees the shift-in character, it understands that your data is now "shifting into" a single-byte character set string.

Each byte in a double-byte character must have a value between X'41' and X'FE' inclusive, or the DBCS character must be a DBCS space (X'4040'). You can use IEBPTPCH to verify that your data conforms to this standard before it is printed or punched. If needed, IEBPTPCH can also insert the shift-out/shift-in characters. This checking can be specified using the conversion variables in the FIELD parameter of the RECORD statement.

The default printing format for data sets with DBCS data is different from the default for single-byte character set data. The maximum number of DBCS characters will be printed for each output line, when you code PRINT DBCS=YES. IEBPTPCH will ensure that an output record will not end within a DBCS string. If an entire DBCS string will not fit on one printed line, IEBPTPCH will enclose each line in shift-out/shift-in characters. These control characters will not be printed, but will ensure that the printer recognizes the data as DBCS strings.