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ABAP Keyword Documentation →  ABAP − Release-Specific Changes →  Changes in Release 6.20 

System Classes and Methods for Release 6.20


1. Class for calculating using time stamps


2. Class for editing lists

3. Error handling of exceptions

4. Methods for determining type properties

Other versions: 7.31 | 7.40 | 7.54

Modification 1

Class for Calculating with Time Stamps

The class CL_ABAP_TSTMP has been introduced for calculating with time stamps.

Modification 2

Class for Editing Lists

For calculating output lengths, the conversion of values from the list buffer, and the definition of field groups, the class CL_ABAP_LIST_UTILITIES has been introduced. With the return values of their method, a correct column alignment for ABAP lists can be programmed - even wherever Eastern Asian scripts are output.

The objects of a list can be displayed in different output lengths by setting the required length in the menu System → List → Unicode Display. This is of particular advantage for screen lists in Unicode systems whose output was cut off - which is displayed by the characters (> or <).

Modification 3

Error Handling of Exceptions

The interfaces IF_MESSAGE und IF_SERIALIZABLE_OBJECT have been included into the class CX_ROOT, global superclass for all Exceptions. You edit texts from classes that implement these interfaces as message texts. Using the method GET_LONG_TEXT, the appropriate long text belonging to an exception text is provided.

Modification 4

Methods for Determining Type Properties

For determining type properties at runtime (RTTI), two new methods have been introduced in the class CL_ABAP_DATADESCR.

  • The method IS_READ_ONLY determines whether a reference data object is write-protected.
  • The method APPLIES_TO_DATA_REF executes a type check between the description and the data object. In this way, the compatibility of data objects can be determined.


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