Data conversion, data types, data definitions, and structures
Use this information to learn about data conversions, elementary data types, IBM MQ data definitions, and structures when using the Message Queue Interface.
- Data conversion
-
The MQXCNVC (convert characters) call converts message character data from one character set to another. Except on IBM MQ for z/OS®, this call is used only from a data-conversion exit.
See MQXCNVC - Convert characters for the syntax used with the MQXCNVC call, and Writing data-conversion exits for guidance on writing and invoking data conversion exits.
- Elementary data types
-
For the supported programming languages, the MQI provides elementary data types or unstructured fields.
These data types are described fully in Elementary data types.
- IBM MQ data definitions
-
IBM MQ for z/OS supplies data definitions in the form of COBOL copy files, assembly language macros, a single PL/I include file, a single C language include file, and C++ language include files.
IBM MQ for IBM i supplies data definitions in the form of COBOL copy files, RPG copy files, C language include files, and C++ language include files.
The data definition files supplied with IBM MQ contain:- Definitions of all the IBM MQ constants and return codes
- Definitions of the IBM MQ structures and data types
- Constant definitions for initializing the structures
- Function prototypes for each of the calls (for PL/I and the C language only)
For a full description of IBM MQ data definition files, see IBM MQ data definition files.
- Structures
-
Structures, used with the MQI calls listed in MQI calls, are supplied in data definition files for each of the supported programming languages. IBM MQ for z/OS and IBM MQ for IBM i supply files that contain constants for you to use when completing some of the fields of these structures. For more information about these, see IBM MQ data definitions.
See Structure data types summary for a summary of the structures.