Unicode and Classic Editions

The defining feature of Version 12.0 is support for Unicode character data. This necessarily entails a change in the internal format of character arrays stored in the workspace and on component files and in external variables.

This in turn means that the adoption of Unicode may require code changes and data conversions in applications.

For this reason, Version 12.0 and a limited number of future Versions of Dyalog will be available in two separate editions; Unicode and Classic.

• The Unicode edition is intended for users who need to develop Unicode applications now, and are prepared to make the necessary (usually small) changes to existing applications in order to support new Unicode character types.
• The Classic edition is intended for customers who want to take advantage of other product enhancements, but do not wish to use Unicode at this time.

The two different editions are maintained from the same source code, and every effort will be made to ensure that they are identical except for the handling of character arrays, and the transfer of data into and out of the workspace.