Character representation

Character representation in the server is controlled by the following elements of the Character Data Representation Architecture (CDRA).

CDRA identifies characters by encoding scheme identifier (ESid), character set, pairs of character sets and code pages (as needed), and additional coding-related information (as necessary). This identification is established by a system of tags. The tags are handled by i5/OS™ in a way that ensures character set integrity.

The overall objective of CDRA is to define a method of assigning and preserving the meaning of coded graphic characters through various stages of processing and interchanging.

• Encoding scheme
  The Character Data Representation Architecture (CDRA) system of tags uses an encoding scheme to specify many rules.
• Conversion of character data
  The Character Data Representation Architecture (CDRA) system of tags ensures that you can convert character data in a predictable, repeatable way.
• Coded character set identifier values
  CDRA defines the range of values for CCSIDs (coded character set identifiers).
• Character data integrity
  The Character Data Representation Architecture (CDRA) system of tags uses coded character set identifiers (CCSIDs) to maintain data integrity when character data is passed from system to system or from user to user. CCSIDs assign a value that uniquely identifies the coded graphic character representation used for character data.