| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Parameter type | String |
| Syntax | NLS_LENGTH_SEMANTICS = string
Example: |
| Default value | BYTE |
| Modifiable | ALTER SESSION |
| Range of values | BYTE | CHAR |
NLS_LENGTH_SEMANTICS enables you to create CHAR and VARCHAR2 columns using either byte or character length semantics. Existing columns are not affected.
NCHAR, NVARCHAR2, CLOB, and NCLOB columns are always character-based. You may be required to use byte semantics in order to maintain compatibility with existing applications.
NLS_LENGTH_SEMANTICS does not apply to tables in the SYS schema.