Use of AL32UTF8 character set 1

[dbalearner]

A developer has requested us to drop and recreated a DEV database using character set AL32UTF8 as o[pposed to UTF8. What are the pros and crons of using AL32UTF8 character set? I have heard some compatibiliyy issues with the client character set. For example connectivity with OLTP, JDBC, OLETP etc. Is there any reason we should deploy AL32UTF8 as opposed to UTF8.

Also one can just do character conversion without dropping and recreating the database. Is this fairly straight forward?

Thanks

 

[SantaMufasa]

Learner,

Although they say that it is possible to do a character-set convervsion against an existing database, I have never seen it happen successfully. Is this fairly straight forward?...Haven't seen it happen yet.

I recommend creating a new database with the target character set, then import into it the contents of the original (UTF8) database. That way, you have an in-place fall-back contingency in case of trouble.

Mufasa
(aka Dave of Sandy, Utah, USA)
[I provide low-cost, remote Database Administration services: www.dasages.com]
“Beware of those that seek to protect you from harm. The cost will be your freedoms and your liberty.”

 

[dbalearner]

Thank you Santa. Could you please elaborate on pros and cons of AL32UTF8 vs UTF8 if any?

 

[SantaMufasa]

Difference between UTF8 and AL32UTF8 character sets in Oracle

AL32UTF8/UTF8 (Unicode) Database Character Set Implications

Difference between UTF8 and AL32UTF8

If you have additional questions that these links don't answer, let us know.

Mufasa
(aka Dave of Sandy, Utah, USA)
[I provide low-cost, remote Database Administration services: www.dasages.com]
“Beware of those that seek to protect you from harm. The cost will be your freedoms and your liberty.”