Re: Character Set Issues

giles.buist_at_lycos.co.uk wrote:
> Hi All,
>
> I have the following issue and would appreciate any advice on what to
> do to resolve it:
>
> When I enter the € Euro symbol into the database in a SQL statement,
> I can retrieve it through SQL or the Java front end and see it as a €
> Euro symbol.
>
> If I enter the € symbol into the database through the java front end,
> the java front end can retrieve it as a € Euro symbol, but SQL
> retrieves it as an inverted question mark, which is a problem.
>
> I have tried using the oracle function ASCII() to retrieve the value
> for the character, the value retrieved is different depending on
> whether the € Euro symbol was entered using SQL or the Java front
> end.
>
> The current nls_characterset parameter is AL32UTF8. I'm aware Oracle
> recommends that 10g databases use UNICODE to cope with all characters.
> Would this fix the problem? Is there any easier way?
>
> Giles

The symbol that you posted has an ASCII value of 128. ASCII values above 127 are not standardized across different character sets/code pages. As a demonstration, if you are on a Windows platform, open Notepad, hold down the left ALT key and type 0128 on the numeric keypad - the Euro symbol will appear. Now, open a command prompt, hold down the left ALT key and type 0128 on the numeric keypad - a question mark will appear. SQLPlus for Windows may display a solid rectangle.

http://www.microsoft.com/typography/EuroSymbolFAQ.mspx It appears that the euro symbol may appear in multiple positions. "To avoid confusion, the historical character U+20A0 EURO-CURRENCY SIGN has been updated with an informative note and a cross reference to U+20AC EURO SIGN" I am not sure if any of the above will be helpful in solving the problem that you are experiencing.

Charles Hooper
PC Support Specialist
K&M Machine-Fabricating, Inc. Received on Mon Nov 27 2006 - 11:18:02 CST