Unicode Conversions

Description:

Unicode is a standard encoding system for computers to display text and symbols from all writing systems around the world. It is the key to modern global applications because it provides a unique number for every character regardless of the platform, the program, or the language.

There are several Unicode encodings but i5/OS supports only UCS-2 and UTF-16 Unicode. Off the two, UTF-16 is not compatible with many standard programming techniques. The System i supports Unicode throughout its operating system and programs. Databorough's X-Resize Module provides support for Unicode conversions of fields for compatibility.

The Unicode conversions process occur in following two parts:

• The Convert Fields option changes the attributes of the appropriate database fields to type 'G' with the correct CCSID for UCS-2 or UTF-16 compatibility (CCSID 13488 for UCS, CCSID 1200 for UTF)


• The Convert Programs option changes the attributes of the appropriate device file fields to type 'G' with a hard coded length and a reference to a 'G' - type field. This ensures correct results for system levels V5R3 and above

Feature list:

• Automated update of impacted program variables
• Automated update of impacted data structures
• Automated update of impacted arrays
• Automated update of impacted RPGLE statements to incorporate the %UCS2 BIF as necessary
• Automated update of impacted DDS for device files to support the Unicode-enabled fields
• Powerful impact and problem analysis features