Preface – This post is part of the Object Oriented ABAP series.

Introduction

User-defined types in SAP Classes are used to define structures and table types in the class. Structure is a data type that defines structures data objects and table type represents the structure and functions of an internal table.

A TYPE in classes has following fields that are required to be filled:

• TYPE: Unique name for type.
• VISIBILITY: This field defines the visibility of type. It has four options: Public, Protected, And Private and Package.
• TYPING: This field specifies the Reference Type. It has three options: Type, Type Ref To and Like.
• Associated Type: Any elementary ABAP type or object type can be defined (generic types, classes or interface).
• DIRECT TYPE ENTRY: The arrow marked button after Associated Type is called Direct Type Entry. It is used to provide further details of the data type.
• DESCRIPTION: Short description of the field.

Syntax

TYPES: Begin of <structure-name>,

.

.

END of <structure-name>.

TYPES : <tt-name> TYPE TABLE OF <structure-name>.

How to create User-defined types in SAP Classes?

Follow the below steps to declare types in global class:

1. Provide the object name in SE24.
2. In Class/Interface screen, provide the method name in Method tab.
3. Go to Types tab to provide user-defined type.
   • Click on Direct Type entry icon to open the editor.
   • Replace the types statement with the user-defined type.

Example: TYPES : Begin of s_material,                                         “structure

matnr TYPE MARC-MATNR,

werks TYPE  MARC-WERKS,

END OF s_material.

TYPES : Begin of ty_mara,

matnr TYPE MARA-MATNR,

mtart TYPE  MARA-MTART,

meins TYPE MARA-MEINS,

matkl TYPE MARA-MATKL,

END OF ty_mara.

TYPES: tt_mara TYPE TABLE OF ty_mara.                  “table type

• • Save it.

4. In the method parameter, add the parameter with associated type name as user-defined type name. And add the required code in method. Save and Activate it.