Database Reference
In-Depth Information
points of use for a specified object. By default, it displays the different object types that are defined
in the SAP system in hierarchical form.
As its name suggests, the application hierarchy contains the structure of the complete SAP
standard business applications. For the customized version, SAP permits maintenance of the cus-
tomer application hierarchy along with a development class defined for each node on the hierarchy.
11.1. 2.1 ABAP Dictionary
The ABAP dictionary is the logical representation of the data stored in the underlying physical
standard databases, such as Oracle, DB2, and Informix.
The dictionary contains metadata about data that are stored in the application tables in the
database. The metadata description in the dictionary involves two different levels: a syntactical
or technical level and a semantic level. The first level corresponds to the domain object and the
second level to the data element object.
Tables, structures, and composite objects are defined in terms of the data element objects,
which in turn are modeled on the domain objects. This systemic hierarchy of domain, data ele-
ment, field, and structure renders them reusable at all levels. This builds up tremendous flexibility
and maintainability in the system. For instance, an increase in the size of the amount domain
CDO instantly propagates the change to all data elements and fields and therefore to the tables,
structures, and ultimately database tables.
Because of the interpretive nature of the runtime environment for ABAP programs and dic-
tionary, any changes made in the ABAP dictionary are immediately propagated to all relevant
application programs.
11.1.2.2 Data Browser
The data browser allows navigation through and display of the ABAP dictionary tables. It displays
the table content along with the key fields, and it can also display foreign key relationships. It
also permits new entries in case the specific table is set with the Maintenance Allowed check box
within the dictionary.
11.1.2.3 Object Browser
This is the main navigation tool in the ABAP Development Workbench. The object browser
groups objects by development class.
11.1.2.4 Program Editor
The ABAP program editor enables you to edit programs, performs checking of syntax, provides
online help, and so forth.
This can be used to edit the source code of different development objects, such as
◾
ABAP program source code for reports, interactive reports, and module pools
◾
Flow logic for the screen painter
◾
Logical databases
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Function modules
◾
Maintenance of documentation and text elements
