1. Database Instant Client Installation Guide
  2. Oracle Database Instant Client Postinstallation Tasks
  3. Recommended Postinstallation Tasks
  4. Setting the NLS_LANG Environment Variable

Setting the NLS_LANG Environment Variable

NLS_LANG is an environment variable that specifies the locale behavior for Oracle software. This variable sets the language and territory used by the client application and the database user session. It also declares the character set of the client, which is the character set of data entered or displayed by an Oracle client program, such as SQL*Plus.

Note:

The character set of the data displayed is determined by the environment of the operating system, such as keyboard driver and fonts in use. The NLS_LANG character set should match the operating system.

Refer to the "Setting Up a Globalization Support Environment" section in Oracle Database Globalization Support Guide for information about Globalization Support.

Parent topic: Recommended Postinstallation Tasks