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Object References

Object references can point to instances of classes. The static type of their reference variables is either a class or an interface. Both types can be used to create objects with the statement CREATE OBJECT.

• Class reference variables allow access to all visible components of a class.

• Interface reference variables restrict the view of the interface components of a class.

If an attempt is made to access an instance attribute with an object reference variable that contains the null reference, a non-handleable exception is raised. On calling an instance method, a handleable exception is raised.

Object references are always heap references.

Other versions: 7.31 | 7.40 | 7.54

Note

For more information, see Object References.

Example

Inline declaration of an object reference variable out with the static type IF_DEMO_OUTPUT on the left side of an object of the class CL_DEMO_OUTPUT created using its factory method NEW. Calls the method DISPLAY using the object component selector.

DATA(out) = cl_demo_output=>new( ). 

out->display( `Hello` ).