Convert alphanumeric programs to process DBCS data

If an alphanumeric application program uses externally-described display files, you can change that application program to a double-byte application program by changing only the files. To convert an application program, do the following:

1. Create a duplicate copy of the source statements for the alphanumeric file you want to change.
2. Change alphanumeric constants and literals to double-byte constants and literals.
3. Change fields in the file to one of the following data types to enter DBCS data:
   • DBCS-open (O) data type
   • DBCS-only (J) data type
   • DBCS-either (E) data

   You do not have to change the length of the fields.

4. Store the converted display file in a separate library. Give the file the same name as its alphanumeric version.
5. To use the converted file in a job, change the library list, using the Change Library List (CHGLIBL) command, for the job in which the file is used. The library in which the double-byte display file is stored is then checked before the library in which the alphanumeric version of the file is stored.