Unicode on IBM i
The IBM® i operating system provides support for Unicode.
Unicode cannot be specified as a value for:
- The system CCSID
- A user profile CCSID
- A job CCSID
The IBM i operating system provides external support for Unicode in the following parts of the system:
- Database files and functions
- DB2® for i
- DDS
- Display file and panel groups
- ILE high-level languages such as RPG
- Message handling and message catalogs
- Query files and tools
- SQL tables
- Unicode variables in UIM
Several other IBM i functions use Unicode internally so that character data integrity is maintained for users across multilingual platforms.
Note: These topics do not give detailed information about
application development as it relates to the implementation of Unicode. Rather,
they provide highlights of IBM i support
for Unicode. Where possible, these topics provide reference to a book that
provides detailed information for UCS-2 implementation. You need to have the
information about the Unicode standard available and understand the information.
- Database files and functions
When you create Unicode database applications, you need to consider the implications for creating physical files, creating logical files, and for database input/output. - DB2 for i
When using DB2 for i applications, you need to be aware of some restrictions of Unicode and some commands. - SQL tables
SQL supports tables that contain Unicode graphic columns by specifying a Unicode CCSID for the GRAPHIC and VARGRAPHIC data types. - Query files and tools
The Open Query File (OPNQRYF) command can retrieve or perform the selection of Unicode data. IBM Query for i, DB2 Query Manager, and IBM i DB2 Query Management all have Unicode support. - Data description specifications
In data description specifications (DDS), you use the CCSID file-, record-, or field-level keyword to specify that a G-type field supports Unicode data instead of DBCS-graphical data. - Display files and panel groups
The 5250 data stream has an option to support Unicode. Some 5250 emulators like IBM i Access Client Solutions or IBM Rational Host On-Demand support the sending of Unicode to the device. Other 5250 emulators, like IBM Personal Communication do not support Unicode in the data stream. - Unicode variables in user interface manager
This example shows how to define a Unicode variable in user interface manager (UIM).
Parent topic: Working with Unicode
Related information:
