SAP System Variables
ABAP has given some predefined types of variables used to query system statuses. These variables are called SAP system variables. We use these variables to check whether a given command works properly. These are filled during runtime. They can store numeric, char, integer, date or time values. There is a field SY-SUBRC which is always zero ‘0’ in case of the correct program run.
There is a table/structure in ABAP Dictionary (SE11) where you can find all the lists of these variables with descriptions. They can be accessed using the keyword “SYST-” or “SY-”.
Following are some of the SAP System Variables:
| NAME | TYPE | LENGTH | DESCRIPTION |
| SY-SUBRC | i | – | Returns value 0 in case of no error of above statement |
| SY-DATUM | d | – | System Date |
| SY-UZEIT | t | – | System Time |
| SY-INDEX | i | – | Loop Index: Contains previous loop passes with the current one |
| SY-TABIX | i | – | Row number in the table index of Internal Table |
| SY-UCOMM | c | 70 | Function Code that has raised the event PAI |
Programming Guidelines:
- It is recommended not to define a local variable starting with “SYST-” or “SY-” ( although not forbidden).
- Do not use obsolete system fields. Here is a list of obsolete ABAP system fields.
- Use System Fields at the right position. It means using an SY-SUBRC check after a mathematical expression will never change its value.
Implementation of System Variables:
WRITE: / “ABAP SYSTEM VARIABLES”. WRITE: / ‘DATE:’ SY-DATUM. WRITE: / ‘TIME:’ SY-UZEIT.
The output for the above code is:
ABAP SYSTEM VARIALBES 27-06-2018 11:34:00
To view the complete list of ABAP System Variables, visit here.
