The Correct NLS_LANG Setting in Unix Environments (Doc ID 264157.1)

Last updated on NOVEMBER 28, 2024

Applies to:

Oracle Database - Enterprise Edition - Version 8.0.3.0 and later
Oracle Database - Standard Edition - Version 8.0.3.0 and later
Oracle Database Cloud Schema Service - Version N/A and later
Oracle Database Exadata Cloud Machine - Version N/A and later
Oracle Cloud Infrastructure - Database Service - Version N/A and later
Information in this document applies to any platform.

Goal

To explain how to set the NLS_LANG correctly in Unix environments.

Solution

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In this Document

1- Check which locale is set and correct this if needed.

2- Check if the chosen locale is indeed installed and install this if needed.

3- Check if you telnet/ssh software is properly configured.

4- Set the NLS_LANG and Test.

5- What to do if this is not working?

6- More in depth debugging.

7- Do the Locale and NLS_LANG *need* to match the database characterset?

8-What's the best setting for an "xx8MSWIN12xx" NLS_CHARACTERSET database (WE8MSWIN1252, etc etc)

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