If you need to read data from a file written in a different encoding than the default you can use the attached java function to translate the data from the source encoding to the destination encoding. The attached COBOL program reads a sequential file written in UTF-8 and translates it to Cp1252. Here are the steps to run this sample:
1. Compile the COBOL source code using "iscc readfile.cbl"
2. Compile the Java source code using ""%ISCOBOL_JDK_ROOT%\bin\javac" ENCODE.java
3. Run using "iscrun READFILE". The output should look like this:
Before conversion: This file is written into UTF8 encoding.
?? ?? ?² ? â?¬ ?¬ ??
Hola Se?±or!
?¿C??mo est?¡s?
Ti piace il caff???
After conversion: ?This file is written into UTF8 encoding.
è é ò à ? ì ù
Hola Señor!
¿Cómo estás?
Ti piace il caffè?
Article ID: 254
Created: October 28, 2015
Last Updated: December 19, 2025
Author: Support KB Author
Online URL: https://support.veryant.com/phpkb/article.php?id=254