String assignments

There are two types of string assignments; storage assignment and retrieval assignment.

Storage assignment is when a value is assigned to a column or a parameter of a function or stored procedure.
Retrieval assignment is when a value is assigned to a variable.

The rules differ for storage and retrieval assignment.

Binary string assignment
Binary string assignment involves assignment at both the storage and the retrieval of binary strings.
Character and graphic string assignment
The rules for storage and retrieval assignment apply when both the source and the target are strings.
Assignments involving mixed data strings
A mixed data string that contains MBCS characters cannot be assigned to an SBCS column, SBCS parameter, or SBCS variable.
Assignments involving C NUL-terminated strings
A C NUL-terminated string variable that is referenced in a CONNECT statement does not need to contain a NUL. Otherwise, DB2® enforces the convention that the value of a NUL-terminated string variable, either character or graphic, is NUL-terminated.
Conversion rules for string assignment
A character or graphic string that is assigned to a column or variable is first converted, if necessary, to the coded character set of the target. Conversion is necessary only if certain conditions apply.

Parent topic: Assignment and comparison