Specifying Language-Dependent Behavior

Most NLS parameters can be used in three ways

• As initialization parameters to specify language-dependent behavior defaults for the server.

For example, in your INIT.ORA file, include

		NLS_TERRITORY = FRANCE

• As environment variables on client machines to specify language-dependant behavior defaults for a session. These defaults override the defaults set for the server.

For example, on a UNIX system

		setenv NLS_TERRITORY FRANCE

• As ALTER SESSION parameters to change the language-dependent behavior of a session. These parameters override the defaults set for the session or for the server.

For example:

		ALTER SESSION SET NLS_TERRITORY = FRANCE

The following NLS parameters can be initialization parameters, environment variables, and ALTER SESSION parameters:

• NLS_CALENDAR

• NLS_CURRENCY

• NLS_DATE_FORMAT

• NLS_DATE_LANGUAGE

• NLS_ISO_CURENCY

• NLS_NUMERIC_CHARACTERS

• NLS_SORT

• NLS_LANGUAGE

• NLS_TERRITORY

The following NLS parameters can only be set as environment variables:

• NLS_CREDIT

• NLS_DEBIT

• NLS_DISPLAY

• NLS_LANG

• NLS_LIST_SEPARATOR

• NLS_MONETARY_CHARACTERS

For more information on these parameters, see "NLS Parameters" .

For additional information on NLS_DISPLAY, see "NLS_TERRITORY Parameter" .

For additional information on NLS_LANG, see "Specifying Language-Dependent Behavior for a Session" .