When Teradata Database processes a client request, it translates client character data to the default server character set. Then, when returning an answer set, the database translates character data from the server character set back to the client character set.
Teradata Database provides the necessary translation codes for processing data from several common client character sets. Each translation code maps the characters in a client character set to the equivalent characters in a compatible Teradata Database server character set.
Translation codes also define how to convert characters to uppercase, for example when the Teradata Database stores characters in a column that is defined as UPPERCASE.
Four hexadecimal translation codes are required for each combination of a client character set and compatible server character set:
- External (Client) to Internal (Teradata Database)
- External-to-internal uppercase
- Internal (Teradata Database) to External (Client)
- Internal-to-external uppercase