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Overview of ABAP Dictionary

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Objectives

 The participants will be able to:

 Define the ABAP dictionary
 Describe the functions of the ABAP Dictionary
 Describe the basic objects of the ABAP Dictionary
 Explain how the Database Utility interfaces with the ABAP Dictionary and the underlying
database

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What is a Data Dictionary?

 A data dictionary is a centralized storage location for information about

the data that is stored in a database.

Data
Dictionary

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Functions of the ABAP Dictionary

Data Integrity No Redundant Data Definitions

Data
Dictionary

Integration with the ABAP

Workbench

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Data Integrity

 Ensuring that data entered into the system is logical, complete, and
consistent.

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No Redundant Data Definitions

 Linking similar information to the same data definition.

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Integration with the ABAP Workbench

 Automatic recognition of the names and characteristics of dictionary objects by

the ABAP programs
 Easy navigation between development objects and dictionary definitions

Data
Dictionary

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Basic Objects of the ABAP Dictionary

 Tables store the information that is in the database

 Data elements and domains are used to describe the characteristics of fields.

Table A Table B Table C

Data Element 1 Data Element 2

Domain
Domain

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Database Utility

 The database utility provides the interface between the ABAP Dictionary and
the underlying database management system (DBMS).

Database
Data
Dictionary

Database
Utility

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Demonstration

 Execution of transaction SE11 and observation of the various data

dictionary objects.

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Practice

 Execution of transaction SE11 and observation of the various data

dictionary objects.

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Summary

 SAP’s data dictionary is called the ABAP Dictionary.

 The ABAP Dictionary enforces data integrity, manages data definitions without
redundancy and is tightly integrated with the rest of the ABAP Workbench
 The basic objects of the ABAP Dictionary are tables, data elements
and domains.
 The database utility provides the interface between the ABAP Dictionary and the
underlying database management system (DBMS).

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Questions

 What are the functions of the ABAP Dictionary ?

 What are the basic objects of the ABAP Dictionary ?
 What is the database utility ?

13 Overview of the ABAP Dictionary | 2.01 March-2005 © 2005 IBM Corporation