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.
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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