How to check what encoding does the installed Oracle database use?

The encoding of an Oracle instance can be checked by sending the appropriate queries:

  • from the level of aSISt application
  • after login to the Oracle database

I. To check the encoding of the installed Oracle database from aSISt application level, select:

ALT + A -> aSISt information -> button: ‘SQL Console’

At the top of the displayed window:

  • enter the query:

select * from NLS_DATABASE_PARAMETERS

where parameter=’NLS_CHARACTERSET

  • select the button:

as shown in the figure below:

II. To check the encoding after login to the Oracle database:

  • add the semicolon to the query given above, so that it has the form:

select * from NLS_DATABASE_PARAMETERS

where parameter=’NLS_CHARACTERSET’;

The encoding of the ORACLE database instance, correctly supported by aSISt, is: AL32UTF8.