ALPHA(x,n) is a
string function that enables a character x in ASCII or EBCDIC code ( code tables) to be converted to a different one or two-character representation in the DEFAULTMAP ( mapchar_set_name). ALPHA(x,n) is used to define the sort sequence.The function ALPHA(x,n) uses the
MAPCHAR(x,n,i) function internally (where i is the DEFAULTMAP) and also performs a conversion to uppercase letters ( UPPER(x)).The parameter n is optional and specifies the maximum length of the result.
Result of the ALPHA(x,n) function | |
ALPHA(x,n) |
UPPER(MAPCHAR(x,n,DEFAULTMAP)) |
The function ALPHA enables an appropriate sort, e.g. if "ü" is to be treated for as "UE" sorting purposes. The MAPCHAR SET with the name DEFAULTMAP is used.
SELECT...,ALPHA(<column name>) sort,...FROM...ORDER BY sort