Steps to Release an Object and Method in ABAP

Step 1: Open the Class Builder (Transaction Code SE24)

To release a method or object, you need to start with the Class Builder.

Open SAP GUI.

Enter transaction code SE24 in the command field and press Enter. This will take you to the Class Builder screen.

In the Class/Interface field, enter the name of the class whose object or method you want to release.

Click the Display or Change button to enter the class.

Step 2: Define Method Visibility

Now that you’re inside the class, it’s time to release the specific method by making it publicly accessible.

Navigate to the Methods tab to view the list of methods in the class.

Select the method you want to release and open it for editing.

In the method properties, check for the Visibility option. In ABAP, visibility can be set to Public, Protected, or Private:

Public: The method can be accessed by external programs, classes and objects. This is the required setting to release the method.

Protected: The method can only be accessed within the class itself or its subclasses.

Private: The method is only accessible within the class it belongs to and is hidden from external use.

Change the visibility to Public to allow external access to this method.

Step 3: Activate and Save the Changes

Once you have set the visibility of the method, you need to activate and save the class so that the changes are effective.

After setting the visibility to Public, click the Save button.

Then click the Activate button (shortcut Ctrl + F3).

This will ensure that the method or object is now publicly accessible and the class changes are applied successfully.

Step 4: Release the Object (Class) for Use

If you’re looking to release the entire class (object) rather than just individual methods, you will follow a similar approach.

Ensure that the Attributes and Methods within the class are set to Public (if you want them accessible).

Go to the Class Properties and make sure the class itself is designated as Public, so that it can be instantiated from outside.

Step 5: Transport the Released Object or Method

Once the object or method has been made public, you’ll need to transport it if it is to be used in other SAP systems.

Go to SE09 or SE10 to create a transport request.

Add the relevant class and method to the transport request and release it.

Once transported, the object or method can be used in other SAP environments.

Step 6: Test the Released Method or Object

After you’ve released the object or method, you can perform a test to ensure that it works as expected.

You can create a new program (Transaction SE38) and call the released method in this program.

Alternatively, if the method belongs to a global class, you can instantiate the class and call the method to validate its functionality.

Why Releasing an Object or Method is Important?

1. Reusability: Released methods and objects can be reused across different programs and systems, promoting modularity and reducing redundant code.
2. Code Maintenance: Public methods are easy to maintain and modify since they serve as centralized functions that can be called by multiple components.
3. Encapsulation and Access Control: By controlling the visibility of methods and objects, you ensure that critical logic remains protected while allowing flexibility where needed.

Common Use Cases

API Integration: Released methods can be used as interfaces for external applications or third-party software.

Cross-System Communication: When transporting objects between development, quality assurance and production environments, released methods and objects help maintain consistency and reliability.

Component-based Architecture: By breaking down large monolithic programs into reusable classes with public methods, ABAP developers can create scalable and maintainable systems.