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Program structure

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  • The functions of an ABAP program are implemented in processing blocks. Processing blocks are defined using modularization statements. You can use declarative statements in processing blocks of the type procedure to define local data types and data objects. The other processing blocks do not have a local data area, and any declarative statements apply to the program globally. The most important processing blocks in ABAP objects are methods. You can only implement your class in the implementation part. The order of the processing blocks or implementation sections is irrelevant for program execution, but should be designed to make the program easy to read.
  • Following the introductory statement, every program contains a global declaration section, in which you implement the definitions and declarations that are valid and visible in the entire program. This includes the declaration of data types and data objects, as well as the definition of interfaces or the declaration section of classes in ABAP Objects. The definitions of interfaces and classes contain the declarations of their components. While the order of the individual definitions and declarations is not specified, you have to take into account that an ABAP statement can only refer to existing definitions and declarations. For example, a reference variable can only refer to a previously defined class, which in turn can only implement a previously defined interface. Once a procedure has been introduced, you can declare data types and data objects that are visible within the procedure. The declaration of data types also includes the typing of objects that have an undetermined data type when the program is created.
  • All the other statements of an ABAP program are implementation statements, which can always be assigned to a processing block. You use the implementation statements to implement the functions of a processing block. The functions of all processing blocks are largely implemented using the same statements.
  • Since ABAP is a language that has grown over time, it contains several obsolete additions to statements that have been replaced with improved language constructs, but which have not been eliminated in order to ensure downward compatibility. In ABAP Objects - that is, in the implementation of methods -, almost all of the obsolete language elements will fail syntax checks. In general, you should no longer use these language elements in new programs, but you may to encounter them in older programs.

Other versions: 7.31 | 7.40 | 7.54

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ABAP Program Types

Introductory Statements for Programs

Modularization Statements