National Character String Variables

10.2, PLBCMP Only

National character string variables are defined using the types NCHAR and NINIT instructions. NCHAR instructions define only the Physical Length (unless an initialized array in which case NINIT guidelines apply). The NINIT instructions define the Physical Length, Physical String, Logical Length, and Logical String. Whether using the NCHAR or NINIT instructions, only valid UTF-8 encoded characters can be stored in the National Character String Variables.

Note the following:

1. The size of a national character string variable is set at declaration time. The size of the variables are set to the number of UTF-8 characters declared for a NCHAR and stored into a NINIT.

2. The maximum length of a national character string variable or PLBCMP supports lengths up to eight megabytes (8MB).

3. The Length Pointer (LP) may never exceed the Physical Length (PL) of a variable. The LP is set to the last UTF-8 encoded character in the NCHAR and NINIT variables.

4. The Form Pointer (FP) may never exceed the Length Pointer (LP).

5. A null variable is indicated by a Form Pointer (FP) of zero (0).

6. Character string arrays require a NCHAR definition and they may be initialized to a valid UTF-8 character string literal.

See Also: Common Data Items, Data Definitions