When Database Engine 20 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.
Vantage 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 Database Engine 20 server character set.
Translation codes also define how to convert characters to uppercase, for example when Database Engine 20 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 (Vantage)
- External-to-internal uppercase
- Internal (Vantage) to External (Client)
- Internal-to-external uppercase
A client character set is usable only if it is specified as the client default, and if the corresponding character translation code is installed and enabled on the Vantage system. Only 16 character sets can be active at a time.