Oracle SQL Developer

11Working in a Global EnvironmentThis topic describes how to use Oracle's database access products with Unicode andprovides useful information for SQL and PL/SQL programming in a globalizationsupport environment. It includes the following topics:■■■■Overview of Globalization SupportSetting up the Globalization Support EnvironmentSQL and PL/SQL Programming with UnicodeLocale-Dependent SQL Functions with Optional NLS ParametersSee Also:■■■11.1 Overview of Globalization SupportOracle Database Globalization Support Guide for a completediscussion of globalization support with Oracle Database,including setting up the globalization support environment.Oracle Database Reference for information on initializationparameters used for globalization supportOracle Database SQL Reference for information on date and timeformats.Oracle's globalization support enables you to store, process, and retrieve data in nativelanguages. It ensures that database utilities, error messages, sort order, and date, time,monetary, numeric, and calendar conventions automatically adapt to any nativelanguage and locale.Oracle's globalization support includes National Language Support (NLS) features.National Language Support is the ability to choose a national language and store datain a specific character set. Globalization support enables you to develop multilingualapplications and software products that can be accessed and run from anywhere in theworld simultaneously. An application can render content of the user interface andprocess data in the native users' languages and locale preferences.Note: The National Language Support Parameters report lists thevalues of parameters for globalization support. For information aboutthis and other SQL Developer reports, see Reports.Oracle's standard features include:■Language SupportWorking in a Global Environment 11-1