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> ebcdic | ibm | legacy <

// EBCDIC - Extended Binary Coded Decimal Interchange Code

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>> features

[MAINFRAME]

IBM Mainframe

Standard character encoding for IBM mainframe systems.

[CODE PAGES]

Multiple Variants

Support for different EBCDIC code pages and locales.

[LEGACY]

Legacy Support

Essential for working with legacy mainframe data.

>> technical info

How EBCDIC Works

EBCDIC (Extended Binary Coded Decimal Interchange Code) is an 8-bit character encoding developed by IBM. Unlike ASCII which groups related characters together, EBCDIC spreads them across the code space due to its evolution from punch card codes. Different EBCDIC code pages support various languages and regions, with EBCDIC 037 being the most common for US/Canada.

EBCDIC vs ASCII Examples

Character mappings (EBCDIC 037):

Char | ASCII | EBCDIC
-----|-------|--------
Space| 0x20  | 0x40
  A  | 0x41  | 0xC1
  B  | 0x42  | 0xC2
  0  | 0x30  | 0xF0
  1  | 0x31  | 0xF1
  a  | 0x61  | 0x81
  b  | 0x62  | 0x82

"ABC" in ASCII: 41 42 43
"ABC" in EBCDIC: C1 C2 C3

"123" in ASCII: 31 32 33
"123" in EBCDIC: F1 F2 F3

Why Use EBCDIC

  • Required for IBM mainframes
  • Legacy system compatibility
  • Data migration projects
  • COBOL and mainframe development
  • Historical data preservation

>> frequently asked questions

What is EBCDIC?

EBCDIC (Extended Binary Coded Decimal Interchange Code) is an 8-bit character encoding developed by IBM in 1963. It's primarily used on IBM mainframe and midrange computer systems. Unlike ASCII, EBCDIC's character arrangement reflects its punch card heritage.

Why is EBCDIC different from ASCII?

EBCDIC evolved from punch card codes where holes in specific positions represented characters. This led to a non-contiguous arrangement - letters aren't sequential, and there are gaps between letter groups. ASCII was designed from scratch for efficiency, making it more logical for modern computing.

What are EBCDIC code pages?

EBCDIC has multiple variants called code pages for different languages and regions. Common ones include: EBCDIC 037 (US/Canada), EBCDIC 500 (International), EBCDIC 875 (Greek), and EBCDIC 1047 (Open Systems). Each maps characters differently to support local requirements.

Where is EBCDIC still used?

EBCDIC is still widely used in IBM mainframe environments (z/OS, z/VM, z/VSE), banking and financial systems, government legacy systems, and COBOL applications. Many organizations maintain EBCDIC systems for critical business processes that have run reliably for decades.