Working of EBCDIC
EBCDIC encoding works by using a preset mapping table that assigns a unique 8-digit binary number to each character. When encoding text, it goes through these sequential steps:
- Mapping Table Referenced The EBCDIC encoding process always starts by referencing its mapping table which contains pre-assigned binary values for every alphanumeric, punctuation, control code etc. For example, the decimal value 97 maps to the binary value 01100001 which represents the lowercase letter ‘a’. This mapping stays consistent.
- Text Character Selected The encoding process starts by selecting the first text character from a file or input that needs to be encoded into EBCDIC digital format. For example, take the first letter ‘W’ from the word “World”.
- Assigned Binary Value Looked-up The EBCDIC mapping table is then indexed to look up the encoded 8-digit binary number assigned to represent ‘W’. In EBCDIC ‘W’ = 01011111
- Binary Value Stored This 8-digit binary number is then stored as the encoded representation of the character ‘W’ for processing and transmission by IBM systems.
- Next Character Selected The encoding process then moves to the next character in the input text, selecting ‘o’ and repeats steps 3 and 4. ‘o’ maps to ‘11011111’ in EBCDIC.
- Repeated for Entire Text The sequencing continues repeatedly, taking the input text character by character, looking up the EBCDIC binary mappings from the table, and storing the 8-digit binary values sequentially until the entire file or input data gets encoded.
- Transmission/Storage The stream of 8-bit binary values can then be stored or transmitted to other systems for further processing.
- Decoding for Output Reversing the process allows the binary data to be decoded back to human readable characters using the EBCDIC mappings, allowing information and text to be rendered in original form.
What is Extended Binary Coded Decimal Interchange Code (EBCDIC)?
As we know computers and devices store data in a numbers form. But for humans to easily understand it needs to be encoded to actual data or textual form we use encoders. Encoding schemes are essential in computing and telecommunication to store, process, and transmit textual information and data efficiently.