Decimal code
The decimal code of a character is a sequence of decimal digits that is used to enter the respective character into a computer using a suitable input method even if the character is not available on the keyboard layout currently in use . For popular of such input methods of the decimal serves Unicode - code point of the character.
Especially under Microsoft Windows , such input methods for code point values below 1000 (i.e. two- and three-digit decimal values) require that the decimal value is preceded by the number "0" (the decimal code for the plus-minus sign U + 00B1 is "0177" instead of "177") ). These input methods also allow the code point from the currently used 8-bit code page as a decimal value, i.e. usually Windows-1252 in Western Europe .
Common input methods based on decimal codes are to hold down the Alt key while the Num Lock is activated , enter the decimal digit sequence on the numeric keypad and then release the Alt key. However, the availability of such methods always depends on the operating system used and the text input or word processing software used .
The term decimal code was introduced in this meaning with the 2020 edition of DIN 5008 writing and design rules for text and information processing , so that the input of special characters can be clearly and clearly described in tables regardless of the keyboard layout and input software used. DIN 5008 lists the Unicode value as a decimal number as a decimal code (possibly with a "0" in front). In addition, the decimal code is listed in brackets, then also preceded by “0”, which results from the 8-bit code page Windows-1252, which is common in the German-speaking area on PCs running Microsoft Windows , if it deviates from the Unicode value.
| character | Unicode position |
Unicode name |
designation | Decimal code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| · | U + 00B7 | middle dot | Half-high point | 0183 |
| ‰ | U + 2030 | per mille sign | Alcohol symbol | 8240 (0137) |
| ? | U + 1F5B7 | fax icon | Fax icon | 128439 |