- SAP Smartforms
- Data Type Conversion
- Character Encoding and Data Transformation
- Conversion Functions
- Data Transformation for File Processing
- Time and Date Handling
- BAPI and IDOC Data Conversions
- Internal and External Storage Formats
- Conversion of Legacy Data
- ABAP Conversion Exit Functions
- Error Handling During Conversion
- Handling Different Formats for Integration
24CONVERSION2211 – Data Type Conversion
In ABAP, data type conversion refers to converting one data type to another, either implicitly or explicitly. This is necessary when performing operations involving different data types or when passing data between fields of different types. ABAP handles many conversions automatically, but sometimes you need to perform a conversion manually.
Conversion:
- Conversion is the mechanism of translating data between different representations.
- It deals with the differences between the internal representation (how data is stored and processed in SAP) and the external representation (how data is presented to the user or exchanged with external systems).
- Conversion in ABAP is about transforming data formats.
- It ensures that data is correctly formatted for internal storage and external communication.
- It is achieved using standard routines (like conversion exits), built-in functions and custom logic.
- Its main use cases include data display formatting, type conversion, character set conversion and integration with external systems.
Example:
Suppose you have a customer number stored internally as 123, but you need to display it as 0000123:
- Internal Representation:
123 - External Representation:
0000123
A conversion exit attached to the data element can automatically add the leading zeros during output, while ensuring that any input from the user is properly converted back to the internal format.
Types of Data Type Conversion
1. Implicit Conversion:
- Implicit conversion happens automatically when the system converts one data type into another without the need for explicit instructions from the programmer.
- This occurs when the types are compatible or convertible without significant risk of data loss or error.
When It required:
- Assigning a value between variables of different, but compatible data types.
- When performing arithmetic operations between different data types.
- Example: Assigning an integer value to a floating-point variable will automatically convert the integer to a float.
DATA: lv_int TYPE i VALUE 10,
lv_float TYPE f.
lv_float = lv_int. ” Implicit conversion from integer to float
Advantages:
- Simplifies coding as conversion happens automatically.
- Less code is needed for simple conversions.
Limitations:
- May lead to data loss or truncation if not used carefully (e.g., converting a large float to an integer).
- Not suitable for complex conversions like converting dates to strings.
2. Explicit Conversion:
- Explicit conversion requires the programmer to manually instruct the system to convert one data type to another.
- This is typically done using specific functions or casting mechanisms to ensure the correct conversion.
When It required:
- When the types are not automatically convertible.
- When precision control is needed, or when there’s potential for data loss or formatting issues.
- For complex conversions, such as converting strings to numbers or vice versa.
- The ABAP statement MOVE can be used to handle this type of conversion.
DATA: lv_int TYPE i VALUE 5,
lv_char TYPE c LENGTH 5.
lv_char = lv_int. ” Explicit conversion from integer to character
Advantages:
- Greater control over the conversion process.
- Reduces the risk of unintended data loss or conversion errors.
Limitations:
- Requires more code and attention from the programmer.
- Conversion logic must be correctly implemented.
Both types of conversions are important in ABAP depending on the context and the types involved in the operation.
Author : Aniket Pawar, 9373518385
24CONVERSION2211 – Data Type Conversion
In ABAP, data type conversion refers to converting one data type to another, either implicitly or explicitly. This is necessary when performing operations involving different data types or when passing data between fields of different types. ABAP handles many conversions automatically, but sometimes you need to perform a conversion manually.
Types of Data Type Conversion
1. Implicit Conversion:
- Implicit conversion happens automatically when the system converts one data type into another without the need for explicit instructions from the programmer.
- This occurs when the types are compatible or convertible without significant risk of data loss or error.
When It required:
- Assigning a value between variables of different, but compatible data types.
- When performing arithmetic operations between different data types.
- Example: Assigning an integer value to a floating-point variable will automatically convert the integer to a float.
DATA: lv_int TYPE i VALUE 10,
lv_float TYPE f.
lv_float = lv_int. ” Implicit conversion from integer to float
Advantages:
- Simplifies coding as conversion happens automatically.
- Less code is needed for simple conversions.
Limitations:
- May lead to data loss or truncation if not used carefully (e.g., converting a large float to an integer).
- Not suitable for complex conversions like converting dates to strings.
2. Explicit Conversion:
- Explicit conversion requires the programmer to manually instruct the system to convert one data type to another.
- This is typically done using specific functions or casting mechanisms to ensure the correct conversion.
When It required:
- When the types are not automatically convertible.
- When precision control is needed, or when there’s potential for data loss or formatting issues.
- For complex conversions, such as converting strings to numbers or vice versa.
- The ABAP statement MOVE can be used to handle this type of conversion.
DATA: lv_int TYPE i VALUE 5,
lv_char TYPE c LENGTH 5.
lv_char = lv_int. ” Explicit conversion from integer to character
Advantages:
- Greater control over the conversion process.
- Reduces the risk of unintended data loss or conversion errors.
Limitations:
- Requires more code and attention from the programmer.
- Conversion logic must be correctly implemented.
Both types of conversions are important in ABAP depending on the context and the types involved in the operation.
