SAP Classes Reference
Classes are the object-oriented building blocks of modern ABAP, delivered by SAP and created by developers, encapsulating data and methods. This reference explains global classes and how to explore them.
A global ABAP class bundles attributes and methods behind a defined interface and is reusable across the system; SAP ships many, CL_SALV_TABLE for ALV lists and the CL_GUI_* classes among them. Open one in SE24 or ADT to read its public methods and parameters, prefer released and documented classes, and reuse SAP's utility classes rather than rewriting them.
- Watch out: a class being public does not mean SAP intends you to use it; check the release state.
What it is
A global class (in the class library) bundles attributes and methods behind a defined interface, reusable across the system. SAP delivers many utility and API classes (e.g. CL_SALV_TABLE for ALV, CL_GUI_* for UI); RAP and modern APIs are class-based.
How to find/use it
- Use
SE24(Class Builder) or ADT to view a class. - Explore its public methods and their parameters.
- Prefer released/documented classes for stable use.
- Reuse SAP utility classes rather than reinventing logic.
Why it matters
Modern ABAP is object-oriented, so classes are central. Knowing the key SAP-delivered classes (and how to read a class’s interface) speeds development and keeps code clean and reusable.
Common pitfalls
- Guessing instead of using the reference tools.
- Editing/using without understanding the object.
- Relying on memory for details you can look up.