Distinguishing characters, bytes, and columns
To process multi-byte characters correctly, you need to understand the difference between characters, columns, and bytes:
- Characters are symbols in a code page, each of which is assigned a numeric value.
- Bytes are units of storage, each consisting of eight bits.
- Columns are units of width, indicating how much width a symbol requires on the monitor or on a printed report.
To clarify, examine Table 8–4, which shows two characters, one single-byte and one double-byte, and the byte and column count of each.
Table 8–4: Byte count and column count
|
Character
|
Number of bytes
|
Number of columns
|
|
A
|
1
|
1
|
|
|
2
|
2
|