Slide 29 of 60

Data Objects

The DATA statement is one method used to define a Data Object that is used with an ABAP/4 program.

• A field in ABAP/4 is a variable, which cannot be decomposed into smaller parts. It is the smallest unit of meaningful data in the R/3 System.
  
• The DATA statement defines a variable or field that is used by a program at runtime and requires memory space during program execution.
  
• A variable is used to store and reference data under a certain name and in a certain format.
  
• A variable is an internal data object that is created for use in one particular program. Internal data objects have no validity outside their program.
  
• Data objects are described in more detail in a subsequent lesson.

Authored by: Roger Hayen © Central Michigan Univeristy and/or © SAP America, Inc. All rights reserved.