# Working with Constructor Expressions
- [Working with Constructor Expressions](#working-with-constructor-expressions)
- [Introduction](#introduction)
- [`VALUE`](#value)
- [`CORRESPONDING`](#corresponding)
- [`NEW`](#new)
- [`CONV`](#conv)
- [`EXACT`](#exact)
- [`REF`](#ref)
- [`CAST`](#cast)
- [`COND`](#cond)
- [`SWITCH`](#switch)
- [`FILTER`](#filter)
- [`REDUCE`](#reduce)
- [Iteration Expressions with `FOR`](#iteration-expressions-with-for)
- [`LET Expressions`](#let-expressions)
- [Executable Example](#executable-example)
## Introduction
- [Constructor
expressions](https://help.sap.com/doc/abapdocu_cp_index_htm/CLOUD/en-US/index.htm?file=abenconstructor_expression_glosry.htm "Glossary Entry")
include a [constructor
operator](https://help.sap.com/doc/abapdocu_cp_index_htm/CLOUD/en-US/index.htm?file=abenconstructor_operator_glosry.htm "Glossary Entry")
followed by the specification of a [data
type](https://help.sap.com/doc/abapdocu_cp_index_htm/CLOUD/en-US/index.htm?file=abendata_type_glosry.htm "Glossary Entry")
or [object
type](https://help.sap.com/doc/abapdocu_cp_index_htm/CLOUD/en-US/index.htm?file=abenobject_type_glosry.htm "Glossary Entry")
(or a `#` character that stands for such a type) and
specific parameters specified within parentheses. Example using the
`VALUE` operator:
``` abap
... VALUE string( ... ) ...
... VALUE #( ... ) ...
```
- As the name implies, these expressions construct results of a
specific type and their content. Either the type is specified
explicitly before the first parenthesis or the said `#`
character can be specified if the type can be derived implicitly
from the [operand
position](https://help.sap.com/doc/abapdocu_cp_index_htm/CLOUD/en-US/index.htm?file=abenoperand_position_glosry.htm "Glossary Entry").
The `#` character symbolizes the [operand
type](https://help.sap.com/doc/abapdocu_cp_index_htm/CLOUD/en-US/index.htm?file=abenoperand_type_glosry.htm "Glossary Entry").
If no type can be derived from the operand position, for some
constructor operators, the type can also be derived from the
arguments in the parentheses.
- Why use them? Constructor expressions can make your code leaner and
more readable since you can achieve the same with fewer statements.
- Apart from the concept of deriving types from the context, another
concept is very handy particularly in this context: [Inline
declaration](https://help.sap.com/doc/abapdocu_cp_index_htm/CLOUD/en-US/index.htm?file=abeninline_declaration_glosry.htm "Glossary Entry").
- This means that you can declare a variable using
`DATA(var)` (or an immutable variable
[`FINAL(var)`](https://help.sap.com/doc/abapdocu_cp_index_htm/CLOUD/en-US/index.htm?file=abenfinal_inline.htm))
as an operand in the current [write
position](https://help.sap.com/doc/abapdocu_cp_index_htm/CLOUD/en-US/index.htm?file=abenwrite_position_glosry.htm "Glossary Entry").
In doing so, such a variable declared inline can be given the
appropriate type and result of the constructor expression in one
go: `DATA(dec) = VALUE decfloat34( '1.23' )`.
> **✔️ Hint**
> The construction of a result, i. e. a target [data
object](https://help.sap.com/doc/abapdocu_cp_index_htm/CLOUD/en-US/index.htm?file=abendata_object_glosry.htm "Glossary Entry"),
implies that the data object is initialized. However, for some
constructor operators, there is an addition with which the
initialization can be avoided.
(back to top)
## `VALUE`
- Expressions with the
[`VALUE`](https://help.sap.com/doc/abapdocu_cp_index_htm/CLOUD/en-US/index.htm?file=abenconstructor_expression_value.htm)
operator construct a result in place based on a data type.
- This result can be initial values for any non-generic data types,
structures or internal tables.
> **💡 Note**
> Elementary data types and reference types cannot be
explicitly specified for the construction of values here.
- Regarding the type specifications before and parameters within the
parentheses:
- No parameter specified within the parentheses: The return value
is set to its type-specific initial value. This is possible for
any non-generic data types. See more information
[here](https://help.sap.com/doc/abapdocu_cp_index_htm/CLOUD/en-US/index.htm?file=abenvalue_constructor_params_init.htm).
- Structured and internal table type before the parentheses or
`#` stands for such types: Individual components of
structures can be specified as named arguments while each
component of the return value can be assigned a data object that
has the same data type as the component, or whose data type can
be converted to this data type. See more information
[here](https://help.sap.com/doc/abapdocu_cp_index_htm/CLOUD/en-US/index.htm?file=abenvalue_constructor_params_struc.htm).
To construct internal tables, you have multiple options, for
example, you can add individual table lines using an inner pair
of parentheses. More syntax options, for example, using the
additions `BASE` and `FOR` are possible, too.
See more information
[here](https://help.sap.com/doc/abapdocu_cp_index_htm/CLOUD/en-US/index.htm?file=abenvalue_constructor_params_itab.htm).
Example: Structure
``` abap
"Creating a structured type
TYPES: BEGIN OF struc_type,
a TYPE i,
b TYPE c LENGTH 3,
END OF struc_type.
DATA struc TYPE struc_type. "Structured data object
struc = VALUE #( a = 1 b = 'aaa' ). "Deriving the type using #
```
As mentioned above, the concept of [inline
declarations](https://help.sap.com/doc/abapdocu_cp_index_htm/CLOUD/en-US/index.htm?file=abeninline_declarations.htm)
enters the picture here, which simplifies ABAP programming. You can
construct a new data object (for example, using `DATA(...)`),
provide the desired type with the constructor expression and assign
values in one go.
``` abap
"Explicit type specification needed
DATA(structure) = VALUE struc_type( a = 2 b = 'bbb' ).
```
Note that initial values can be created by omitting the specification of
components or by providing no content within the parentheses.
``` abap
"Component b not specified, b remains initial
struc = VALUE #( a = 2 ).
"Explicit setting of initial value for a component
struc = VALUE #( a = 1 b = value #( ) ).
"The whole structure is initial
struc = VALUE #( ).
"Creating initial values for an elementary data type
DATA num1 TYPE i.
num1 = VALUE #( ).
"Inline declaration
DATA(num2) = VALUE i( ).
```
Regarding internal tables, the line specifications are enclosed in an
inner pair of parentheses `( ... )`. In the following examples,
three lines are added to a table.
``` abap
"Creating an internal table type and an internal table
TYPES tab_type TYPE TABLE OF struc_type WITH EMPTY KEY.
DATA itab TYPE tab_type.
"Filling the internal table using the VALUE operator with #
itab = VALUE #( ( a = 1 b = 'aaa' )
( a = 2 b = 'bbb' )
( a = 3 b = 'ccc' ) ).
"Internal table declared inline, explicit type specification
DATA(itab2) = VALUE tab_type( ( a = 1 b = 'aaa' )
( a = 2 b = 'bbb' )
( a = 3 b = 'ccc' ) ).
"Unstructured line types work without component names.
"Here, the internal table type is a string table.
DATA(itab3) = VALUE string_table( ( `abc` ) ( `def` ) ( `ghi` ) ).
```
In case of
[deep](https://help.sap.com/doc/abapdocu_cp_index_htm/CLOUD/en-US/index.htm?file=abendeep_structure_glosry.htm "Glossary Entry")
and [nested
structures](https://help.sap.com/doc/abapdocu_cp_index_htm/CLOUD/en-US/index.htm?file=abennested_structure_glosry.htm "Glossary Entry")
or [deep
tables](https://help.sap.com/doc/abapdocu_latest_index_htm/latest/en-US/index.htm?file=abendeep_table_glosry.htm "Glossary Entry"),
the use of `VALUE` expressions is handy. The following example
demonstrates a nested structure.
``` abap
"Creating a nested structure
DATA: BEGIN OF nested_struc,
a TYPE i,
BEGIN OF struct,
b TYPE i,
c TYPE c LENGTH 3,
END OF struct,
END OF nested_struc.
"Filling the deep structure
nested_struc = VALUE #( a = 1 struct = VALUE #( b = 2 c = 'abc' ) ).
```
`BASE` addition: A constructor expression without the
`BASE` addition initializes the target variable. Hence, you can
use the addition if you do not want to construct a structure or internal
table from scratch but keep existing content.
``` abap
"Filling structure
struc = VALUE #( a = 1 b = 'aaa' ).
"struc is not initialized, only component b is modified, value of a is kept
struc = VALUE #( BASE struc b = 'bbb' ).
"Filling internal table with two lines
itab = VALUE #( ( a = 1 b = 'aaa' )
( a = 2 b = 'bbb' ) ).
"Two more lines are added instead of initializing the internal table
itab = VALUE #( BASE itab
( a = 3 b = 'ccc' )
( a = 4 b = 'ddd' ) ).
```
`LINES OF` addition: All or some lines of another table can be included in the target internal table (provided that they have
appropriate line types):
``` abap
itab = VALUE #( ( a = 1 b = 'aaa' )
( a = 2 b = 'bbb' )
( LINES OF itab2 ) "All lines of itab2
( LINES OF itab3 FROM 2 TO 5 ) ). "Specific lines of itab3
```
Using the inline construction of structures and internal tables, you can
avoid the declaration of extra variables in many contexts, for example,
ABAP statements like
[`MODIFY`](https://help.sap.com/doc/abapdocu_cp_index_htm/CLOUD/en-US/index.htm?file=abapmodify_itab.htm)
for modifying internal tables or [ABAP
SQL](https://help.sap.com/doc/abapdocu_cp_index_htm/CLOUD/en-US/index.htm?file=abenabap_sql_glosry.htm "Glossary Entry")
statements like
[`MODIFY`](https://help.sap.com/doc/abapdocu_cp_index_htm/CLOUD/en-US/index.htm?file=abapmodify_dbtab.htm)
(which is not to be confused with the ABAP statement having the same
name) for modifying database tables.
Examples:
``` abap
"ABAP statements
"Modifiying individual internal table entries based on a structure created inline
"Modifying a table line
MODIFY TABLE some_itab FROM VALUE #( a = 1 ... ).
"Inserting a table line
INSERT VALUE #( a = 2 ... ) INTO TABLE some_itab.
"Deleting a table line
DELETE TABLE some_itab FROM VALUE #( a = 3 ).
"ABAP SQL statement
"Modifying multiple database table entries based on an internal table
"constructed inline within a host expression
MODIFY zdemo_abap_carr FROM TABLE @( VALUE #(
( carrid = 'XY'
carrname = 'XY Airlines'
currcode = 'USD'
url = 'some_url' )
( carrid = 'ZZ'
carrname = 'ZZ Airways'
currcode = 'EUR'
url = 'some_url' ) ) ).
```
> **💡 Note**
> Some of the additions and concepts mentioned here are
also valid for other constructor expressions further down but not
necessarily mentioned explicitly. See the details on the syntactical
options of the constructor operators in the ABAP Keyword Documentation.
(back to top)
## `CORRESPONDING`
- Expressions with the
[`CORRESPONDING`](https://help.sap.com/doc/abapdocu_cp_index_htm/CLOUD/en-US/index.htm?file=abenconstructor_expr_corresponding.htm)
operator construct structures and internal tables based on a data
type (i. e. a [table
type](https://help.sap.com/doc/abapdocu_cp_index_htm/CLOUD/en-US/index.htm?file=abentable_type_glosry.htm "Glossary Entry")
or [structured
type](https://help.sap.com/doc/abapdocu_cp_index_htm/CLOUD/en-US/index.htm?file=abenstructured_type_glosry.htm "Glossary Entry")).
- The components or columns of the target data object are filled using
assignments of the parameters specified within the parentheses.
- The assignments are made using identical names or based on [mapping
relationships](https://help.sap.com/doc/abapdocu_cp_index_htm/CLOUD/en-US/index.htm?file=abencorresponding_constr_mapping.htm)
- Note: Pay attention to the [assignment and conversion
rules](https://help.sap.com/doc/abapdocu_cp_index_htm/CLOUD/en-US/index.htm?file=abenconversion_rules.htm)
to avoid errors when using the operator. Consider, for example, the
impact of assigning the values of identically named fields having
different types (e. g. one field is of type `c` and another
field is of type `string`).
The following table includes a selection of various possible additions to
this constructor operator. There are more variants available like the
addition `EXACT`, using a lookup table, the option of discarding
duplicates or
[RAP](https://help.sap.com/doc/abapdocu_cp_index_htm/CLOUD/en-US/index.htm?file=abenrap_glosry.htm "Glossary Entry")-specific
variants that are not part of this cheat sheet. Find the details in
[this
topic](https://help.sap.com/doc/abapdocu_cp_index_htm/CLOUD/en-US/index.htm?file=abenconstructor_expr_corresponding.htm).
| Addition | Details |
|---|---|
| `BASE` | Keeps original values. Unlike, for example, the operator `VALUE`, a pair of parentheses must be set around `BASE`. |
| `MAPPING` | Enables the mapping of component names, i. e. a component of a source structure or source table can be assigned to a differently named component of a target structure or target table (e. g. `MAPPING c1 = c2`). |
| `EXCEPT` | You can specify components that should not be assigned content in the target data object. They remain initial. In doing so, you exclude identically named components in the source and target object that are not compatible or convertible from the assignment to avoid syntax errors or runtime errors. |
| `DEEP` | Relevant for deep tabular components. They are resolved at every hierarchy level and identically named components are assigned line by line. |
| `[DEEP] APPENDING` | Relevant for (deep) tabular components. It ensures that the nested target tables are not deleted. The effect without `DEEP` is that lines of the nested source table are added using `CORRESPONDING` without addition. The effect with `DEEP` is that lines of the nested source table are added using `CORRESPONDING` with the addition `DEEP`. |
See the executable example for demonstrating the effect of the variants:
``` abap
"Assignment of a structure/internal table to another one having a different type
struc2 = CORRESPONDING #( struc1 ).
tab2 = CORRESPONDING #( tab1 ).
"BASE keeps original content, does not initialize the target
struc2 = CORRESPONDING #( BASE ( struc2 ) struc1 ).
tab2 = CORRESPONDING #( BASE ( tab2 ) tab1 ).
"MAPPING/EXACT are used for mapping/excluding components in the assignment
struc2 = CORRESPONDING #( struc1 MAPPING comp1 = comp2 ).
tab2 = CORRESPONDING #( tab1 EXCEPT comp1 ).
"Complex assignments with deep components using further additions
st_deep2 = CORRESPONDING #( DEEP st_deep1 ).
st_deep2 = CORRESPONDING #( DEEP BASE ( st_deep2 ) st_deep1 ).
st_deep2 = CORRESPONDING #( APPENDING ( st_deep2 ) st_deep1 ).
st_deep2 = CORRESPONDING #( DEEP APPENDING ( st_deep2 ) st_deep1 ).
```
> **✔️ Hint**
> `CORRESPONDING` operator versus
[`MOVE-CORRESPONDING`](https://help.sap.com/doc/abapdocu_cp_index_htm/CLOUD/en-US/index.htm?file=abapmove-corresponding.htm):
Although the functionality is the same, note that, as the name implies,
constructor operators construct and - without the addition
`BASE` - target objects are initialized. Hence, the following
two statements are not the same:
>``` abap
>struc2 = CORRESPONDING #( struc1 ).
>
>"Not matching components are not initialized
>MOVE-CORRESPONDING struc1 TO struc2.
>```
(back to top)
## `NEW`
- Using the instance operator
[`NEW`](https://help.sap.com/doc/abapdocu_cp_index_htm/CLOUD/en-US/index.htm?file=abenconstructor_expression_new.htm),
you can create [anonymous data
objects](https://help.sap.com/doc/abapdocu_cp_index_htm/CLOUD/en-US/index.htm?file=abenanonymous_data_object_glosry.htm "Glossary Entry")
or
[instances](https://help.sap.com/doc/abapdocu_cp_index_htm/CLOUD/en-US/index.htm?file=abeninstance_glosry.htm "Glossary Entry")
of a class and also assign values to the new object. As a result,
you get a [reference
variable](https://help.sap.com/doc/abapdocu_cp_index_htm/CLOUD/en-US/index.htm?file=abenreference_variable_glosry.htm "Glossary Entry")
that points to the created object. In doing so, the operator
basically replaces [CREATE
DATA](https://help.sap.com/doc/abapdocu_cp_index_htm/CLOUD/en-US/index.htm?file=abapcreate_data.htm)
and [CREATE
OBJECT](https://help.sap.com/doc/abapdocu_cp_index_htm/CLOUD/en-US/index.htm?file=abapcreate_object.htm).
- For the type specification preceding the parentheses, you can use
- non-generic data types which creates a [data reference
variable](https://help.sap.com/doc/abapdocu_cp_index_htm/CLOUD/en-US/index.htm?file=abendata_reference_variable_glosry.htm "Glossary Entry")
pointing to the anonymous data object.
- classes which creates objects of these classes. The result is a
[object reference
variable](https://help.sap.com/doc/abapdocu_cp_index_htm/CLOUD/en-US/index.htm?file=abenobject_refer_variable_glosry.htm "Glossary Entry")
pointing to an object.
- Regarding the created object reference variables, you can use the
[object component
selector](https://help.sap.com/doc/abapdocu_cp_index_htm/CLOUD/en-US/index.htm?file=abenobject_component_select_glosry.htm "Glossary Entry")
`->` in certain contexts to ...
- point to a class attribute: `... NEW class( ... )->attr`
- introduce
[standalone](https://help.sap.com/doc/abapdocu_cp_index_htm/CLOUD/en-US/index.htm?file=abapcall_method_static_short.htm)
and
[functional](https://help.sap.com/doc/abapdocu_cp_index_htm/CLOUD/en-US/index.htm?file=abapcall_method_functional.htm)
method calls, including [chained method
calls](https://help.sap.com/doc/abapdocu_cp_index_htm/CLOUD/en-US/index.htm?file=abenchained_method_call_glosry.htm "Glossary Entry")
which is a big advantage because you do not need to declare an
extra variable: `... NEW class( ... )->meth( ... ) ...`
- Regarding the type specifications before and parameters within the
parentheses:
- No parameter specified within the parentheses: An anonymous data
object retains its type-specific initial value. In case of
classes, no parameter specification means that no values are
passed to the instance constructor of an object. However, in
case of mandatory [input
parameters](https://help.sap.com/doc/abapdocu_cp_index_htm/CLOUD/en-US/index.htm?file=abeninput_parameter_glosry.htm "Glossary Entry"),
the parameters must be specified.
- Single parameter specified: If the type specified before the
parentheses is a non-generic elementary, structured, table, or a
reference type (or such a type can be derived using
`#`), a single data object can be specified as an
unnamed argument. Note the [assignment
rules](https://help.sap.com/doc/abapdocu_cp_index_htm/CLOUD/en-US/index.htm?file=abenconversion_rules.htm)
regarding the value assignments within the parentheses and that
a constructor expression itself can be specified there.
- Structures and internal tables specified: If the type specified
before the parentheses is a structured data type or `#`
stands for it, you can specify the individual components as
named arguments (`comp1 = 1 comp2 = 2 ...`; see more
information
[here](https://help.sap.com/doc/abapdocu_cp_index_htm/CLOUD/en-US/index.htm?file=abennew_constructor_params_struct.htm)).
For the construction of anonymous internal tables, multiple
options are available. Among them, there is the use of
`LET` and `FOR` expressions and others. See more
details
[here](https://help.sap.com/doc/abapdocu_cp_index_htm/CLOUD/en-US/index.htm?file=abennew_constructor_params_itab.htm).
- Classes: As mentioned, non-optional input parameters of the
instance constructor of the instantiated class must be filled.
No parameters are passed for a class without an explicit
instance constructor. See more information:
[here](https://help.sap.com/doc/abapdocu_cp_index_htm/CLOUD/en-US/index.htm?file=abennew_constructor_params_class.htm).
Examples:
``` abap
"Data references
"Declaring data reference variables
DATA dref1 TYPE REF TO i. "Complete type
DATA dref2 TYPE REF TO data. "Generic type
"Creating anonymous data objects
"Here, no parameters are specified within the parentheses meaning the
"data objects retain their initial values.
dref1 = NEW #( ).
dref2 = NEW string( ).
"Assigning single values; specified as unnamed data objects
dref1 = NEW #( 123 ).
dref2 = NEW string( `hallo` ).
"Using inline declarations to omit a prior declaration of a variable
DATA(dref3) = NEW i( 456 ).
DATA text TYPE string VALUE `world`.
"Another constructor expression specified within the parentheses
dref2 = NEW string( `Hello ` && text && CONV string( '!' ) ).
DATA dref4 TYPE REF TO string_table.
dref4 = NEW #( VALUE string_table( ( `a` ) ( `b` ) ) ).
"Structured type; named arguments within the parentheses
DATA(dref5) = NEW scarr( carrid = 'AA' carrname = 'American Airlines' ).
"Object references
"Declaring object reference variables
DATA oref1 TYPE REF TO cl1. "Assumption: class without constructor implementation
DATA oref2 TYPE REF TO cl2. "Assumption: class with constructor implementation
"Creating instances of classes
oref1 = NEW #( ).
"Listing the parameter bindings for the constructor method
"If there is only one parameter, the explicit specification of the
"parameter name is not needed and the value can be specified directly
oref2 = NEW #( p1 = ... p2 = ... ).
"Using inline declaration
DATA(oref3) = NEW cl2( p1 = ... p2 = ... ).
"Method chaining
... NEW some_class( ... )->meth( ... ).
"Chained attribute accesses
... NEW some_class( ... )->attr ...
```
(back to top)
## `CONV`
- The
[`CONV`](https://help.sap.com/doc/abapdocu_cp_index_htm/CLOUD/en-US/index.htm?file=abenconstructor_expression_conv.htm)
operator enforces conversions from one type to another and creates
an appropriate result.
- Note that the conversion is carried out according to [conversion
rules](https://help.sap.com/doc/abapdocu_cp_index_htm/CLOUD/en-US/index.htm?file=abenconversion_rules.htm).
- Further [special
rules](https://help.sap.com/doc/abapdocu_cp_index_htm/CLOUD/en-US/index.htm?file=abenconv_constructor_inference.htm)
apply if the constructor expression is passed to an [actual
parameter](https://help.sap.com/doc/abapdocu_cp_index_htm/CLOUD/en-US/index.htm?file=abenactual_parameter_glosry.htm "Glossary Entry")
with a generically typed [formal
parameter](https://help.sap.com/doc/abapdocu_cp_index_htm/CLOUD/en-US/index.htm?file=abenformal_parameter_glosry.htm "Glossary Entry").
- The operator is particularly suitable for avoiding the declaration
of helper variables.
Examples:
``` abap
"Result: 0.2
DATA(a) = CONV decfloat34( 1 / 5 ).
"Comparison with an expression without CONV; the result is 0
DATA(b) = 1 / 5.
```
Excursion: As outlined above, you can construct structures and internal
tables using the `VALUE` operator. Using this operator for
constructing [elementary data
objects](https://help.sap.com/doc/abapdocu_cp_index_htm/CLOUD/en-US/index.htm?file=abenelementary_data_object_glosry.htm "Glossary Entry")
is not possible apart from creating a data object with an initial value,
for example `DATA(str) = VALUE string( ).`. The `CONV`
operator closes this gap. However, in some cases, the use of
`CONV` is redundant.
``` abap
DATA(c) = CONV decfloat34( '0.4' ).
"Instead of
DATA d TYPE decfloat34 VALUE '0.4'.
"Redundant conversion
"Derives the string type automatically
DATA(e) = `hallo`.
"Produces a syntax warning
"DATA(f) = CONV string( `hallo` ).
```
(back to top)
## `EXACT`
- The
[`EXACT`](https://help.sap.com/doc/abapdocu_cp_index_htm/CLOUD/en-US/index.htm?file=abenconstructor_expression_exact.htm)
operator enforces either a [lossless
assignment](https://help.sap.com/doc/abapdocu_cp_index_htm/CLOUD/en-US/index.htm?file=abenlossless_move.htm)
or a [lossless
calculation](https://help.sap.com/doc/abapdocu_cp_index_htm/CLOUD/en-US/index.htm?file=abenlossless_calculation.htm)
depending on the data object specified within the parentheses and
creates an appropriate result.
- In case of calculations, [rules of lossless
assignments](https://help.sap.com/doc/abapdocu_cp_index_htm/CLOUD/en-US/index.htm?file=abapmove_exact.htm)
apply. In other cases, the result is created according to the
[conversion
rules](https://help.sap.com/doc/abapdocu_cp_index_htm/CLOUD/en-US/index.htm?file=abenconversion_rules.htm)
mentioned above and an additional check is performed in accordance
with the [rules of lossless
assignments](https://help.sap.com/doc/abapdocu_cp_index_htm/CLOUD/en-US/index.htm?file=abapmove_exact.htm).
Examples:
``` abap
"Leads to a data loss when converting to a data object accepting only a single character
TRY.
DATA(exact1) = EXACT abap_bool( 'XY' ).
CATCH CX_SY_CONVERSION_DATA_LOSS INTO DATA(error1).
ENDTRY.
"The calculation cannot be executed exactly; a rounding is necessary
TRY.
DATA(exact2) = EXACT decfloat34( 1 / 3 ).
CATCH CX_SY_CONVERSION_ROUNDING INTO DATA(error2).
ENDTRY.
```
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## `REF`
- The
[`REF`](https://help.sap.com/doc/abapdocu_cp_index_htm/CLOUD/en-US/index.htm?file=abenconstructor_expression_ref.htm)
operator creates a [data reference
variable](https://help.sap.com/doc/abapdocu_cp_index_htm/CLOUD/en-US/index.htm?file=abendata_reference_variable_glosry.htm "Glossary Entry")
pointing to a specified data object.
- The type specified after `REF` and directly before the first
parenthesis determines the [static
type](https://help.sap.com/doc/abapdocu_cp_index_htm/CLOUD/en-US/index.htm?file=abenstatic_type_glosry.htm "Glossary Entry")
of the result.
- The operator replaces [`GET
REFERENCE`](https://help.sap.com/doc/abapdocu_cp_index_htm/CLOUD/en-US/index.htm?file=abapget_reference.htm)
and is particularly useful for avoiding the declaration of helper
variables that are only necessary, for example, to specify data
reference variables as actual parameters.
Examples:
``` abap
"Data references
"Declaring data object and assign value
DATA number TYPE i VALUE 5.
"Declaring data reference variable
DATA dref_a TYPE REF TO i.
"Getting references
dref_a = REF #( number ).
"Inline declaration and explicit type specification
DATA(dref_b) = REF string( `hallo` ).
"Object references
DATA(oref_a) = NEW some_class( ).
DATA(oref_b) = REF #( oref_a ).
```
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## `CAST`
- Using the
[`CAST`](https://help.sap.com/doc/abapdocu_cp_index_htm/CLOUD/en-US/index.htm?file=abenconstructor_expression_cast.htm)
operator, you can carry out
[upcasts](https://help.sap.com/doc/abapdocu_cp_index_htm/CLOUD/en-US/index.htm?file=abenup_cast_glosry.htm "Glossary Entry")
and
[downcasts](https://help.sap.com/doc/abapdocu_cp_index_htm/CLOUD/en-US/index.htm?file=abendown_cast_glosry.htm "Glossary Entry")
and create a reference variable of a static type as a result.
- It replaces the
[`?=`](https://help.sap.com/doc/abapdocu_cp_index_htm/CLOUD/en-US/index.htm?file=abapmove_cast.htm)
operator and enables [chained method
calls](https://help.sap.com/doc/abapdocu_cp_index_htm/CLOUD/en-US/index.htm?file=abenchained_method_call_glosry.htm "Glossary Entry").
- The operator is particularly helpful for avoiding the declaration of
helper variables and more contexts.
- Similar to the `NEW` operator, constructor expressions with
`CAST` can be followed by the object component selector
`->` to point to a class or interface attribute (`... CAST class( ... )->attr`) and methods (`... CAST class( ...
)->meth( ... )`). Method chaining, standalone and
functional method calls are possible, too. See more information
[here](https://help.sap.com/doc/abapdocu_cp_index_htm/CLOUD/en-US/index.htm?file=abenconstructor_expression_cast.htm).
[Run Time Type Identification
(RTTI)](https://help.sap.com/doc/abapdocu_cp_index_htm/CLOUD/en-US/index.htm?file=abenrun_time_type_identific_glosry.htm "Glossary Entry")
examples:
``` abap
"Getting component information
DATA(components) =
CAST cl_abap_structdescr(
cl_abap_typedescr=>describe_by_data( some_object ) )->components.
"Getting method information
DATA(methods) =
CAST cl_abap_objectdescr(
cl_abap_objectdescr=>describe_by_name( 'LOCAL_CLASS' ) )->methods.
```
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## `COND`
- The
[`COND`](https://help.sap.com/doc/abapdocu_cp_index_htm/CLOUD/en-US/index.htm?file=abenconditional_expression_cond.htm)
operator is used for either creating a result depending on [logical
expressions](https://help.sap.com/doc/abapdocu_cp_index_htm/CLOUD/en-US/index.htm?file=abenlogical_expression_glosry.htm "Glossary Entry")
or raising a [class-based
exception](https://help.sap.com/doc/abapdocu_cp_index_htm/CLOUD/en-US/index.htm?file=abenclass_based_exception_glosry.htm "Glossary Entry")
(which is specified within the parentheses after the addition
[`THROW`](https://help.sap.com/doc/abapdocu_cp_index_htm/CLOUD/en-US/index.htm?file=abenconditional_expression_result.htm)).
- There can be multiple logical expressions initiated by
`WHEN` followed by the result specified after
`THEN`. If none of the logical expressions are true, you can
specify an `ELSE` clause at the end. If this clause is not
specified, the result is the initial value of the specified or
derived data type.
- Note that all operands specified after `THEN` must be
convertible to the specified or derived data type.
Example:
``` abap
DATA(b) = COND #( WHEN a BETWEEN 1 AND 3 THEN w
WHEN a > 4 THEN x
WHEN a IS INITIAL THEN y
ELSE z ).
```
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## `SWITCH`
The
[`SWITCH`](https://help.sap.com/doc/abapdocu_cp_index_htm/CLOUD/en-US/index.htm?file=abenconditional_expression_switch.htm)
operator is fairly similar to the `COND` operator and works in
the style of
[`CASE`](https://help.sap.com/doc/abapdocu_cp_index_htm/CLOUD/en-US/index.htm?file=abapcase.htm)
statements, i. e. it uses the value of only a single variable that is
checked in the case distinction.
``` abap
DATA(b) = SWITCH #( a
WHEN 1 THEN w
WHEN 2 THEN x
WHEN 3 THEN y
ELSE z ).
```
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## `FILTER`
- The
[`FILTER`](https://help.sap.com/doc/abapdocu_cp_index_htm/CLOUD/en-US/index.htm?file=abenconstructor_expression_filter.htm)
operator constructs an internal table line by line based on an
existing table and conditions specified in a `WHERE` clause.
- The conditions can either be based on single values or a [filter
table](https://help.sap.com/doc/abapdocu_cp_index_htm/CLOUD/en-US/index.htm?file=abenconstructor_expr_filter_table.htm).
- Additions:
|Addition |Details |
|---|---|
|`USING KEY` | Specifies the [table key](https://help.sap.com/doc/abapdocu_cp_index_htm/CLOUD/en-US/index.htm?file=abentable_key_glosry.htm "Glossary Entry") with which the `WHERE` condition is evaluated, i. e. a [sorted key](https://help.sap.com/doc/abapdocu_cp_index_htm/CLOUD/en-US/index.htm?file=abensorted_key_glosry.htm "Glossary Entry") or a [hash key](https://help.sap.com/doc/abapdocu_cp_index_htm/CLOUD/en-US/index.htm?file=abenhash_key_glosry.htm "Glossary Entry"). If the internal table has neither of them, a [secondary table key](https://help.sap.com/doc/abapdocu_cp_index_htm/CLOUD/en-US/index.htm?file=abensecondary_table_key_glosry.htm "Glossary Entry") must be available and specified. |
| `EXCEPT` | The specification of `EXCEPT` means that those lines of the existing table are used that do not meet the condition specified in the `WHERE` clause. Hence, if `EXCEPT` is not specified, the lines of the existing table are used that meet the condition. |
Examples:
``` abap
DATA(f1) = FILTER #( tab WHERE comp > 5 ).
DATA(f2) = FILTER #( tab EXCEPT WHERE comp < 3 ).
DATA(f3) = FILTER #( tab USING KEY x WHERE comp = 4 ).
"Filtering based on another table
DATA(f3) = FILTER #( tab IN filter_tab
WHERE comp = 3 ).
```
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## `REDUCE`
- The
[`REDUCE`](https://help.sap.com/doc/abapdocu_cp_index_htm/CLOUD/en-US/index.htm?file=abenconstructor_expression_reduce.htm)
operator creates a result of a specified or derived type from one or
more [iteration
expressions](https://help.sap.com/doc/abapdocu_cp_index_htm/CLOUD/en-US/index.htm?file=abeniteration_expression_glosry.htm "Glossary Entry").
- It basically reduces sets of data objects to a single data object.
For example, the numeric values of a table column are summed up. As
a result, the total number is constructed.
The following example calculates the total of the numbers from 1 to 10
using the `REDUCE` operator:
``` abap
DATA(sum) = REDUCE i( INIT s = 0
FOR i = 1 UNTIL i > 10
NEXT s += i ) ). "sum: 55
```
> **💡 Note**
> - `INIT ...`: A temporary variable is specified that sets an
initial value for the result variable.
>- `FOR ...`: Represents a loop. The loop is carried out until
the condition is met after `UNTIL`.
>- `NEXT ...`: Represents the assignment to the temporary
variable after every iteration.
>- Once the loop has finished, the target variable is assigned the
resulting value.
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## Iteration Expressions with `FOR`
- Using [iteration
expressions](https://help.sap.com/doc/abapdocu_cp_index_htm/CLOUD/en-US/index.htm?file=abeniteration_expression_glosry.htm "Glossary Entry")
with the language element
[`FOR`](https://help.sap.com/doc/abapdocu_cp_index_htm/CLOUD/en-US/index.htm?file=abenfor.htm),
you can carry out [conditional
iterations](https://help.sap.com/doc/abapdocu_cp_index_htm/CLOUD/en-US/index.htm?file=abenfor_conditional.htm)
(including the ABAP words `UNTIL` and `WHILE` which
have the semantics of ABAP statements
[`DO`](https://help.sap.com/doc/abapdocu_cp_index_htm/CLOUD/en-US/index.htm?file=abapdo.htm)
and
[`WHILE`](https://help.sap.com/doc/abapdocu_cp_index_htm/CLOUD/en-US/index.htm?file=abapwhile.htm))
or [table
iterations](https://help.sap.com/doc/abapdocu_cp_index_htm/CLOUD/en-US/index.htm?file=abentable_iteration_glosry.htm "Glossary Entry")
(having the semantics of [[LOOP
AT]](https://help.sap.com/doc/abapdocu_cp_index_htm/CLOUD/en-US/index.htm?file=abaploop_at_itab_variants.htm);
the expressions include the ABAP word `IN`).
- Such expressions are possible in the following contexts:
- `REDUCE`: The reduction result is created in the
iteration steps.
- `NEW` and `VALUE`: Used in the context of
looping across internal tables. New table lines are created in
the iteration steps and inserted into a target table.
`FOR ... WHILE`: The following example with `REDUCE`
has the same effect as the example using `UNTIL` shown above.
``` abap
DATA(sum) = REDUCE i( INIT y = 0
FOR n = 1 THEN n + 1 WHILE n < 11
NEXT y += n ).
```
`FOR ... UNTIL`: See the example in the `REDUCE`
section.
`FOR ... IN`:
- The operand specified after `FOR` represents an iteration
variable, i. e. a [work
area](https://help.sap.com/doc/abapdocu_cp_index_htm/CLOUD/en-US/index.htm?file=abenwork_area_glosry.htm "Glossary Entry")
that contains the data while looping across the table.
- This variable is only visible within the `FOR`
expression, i. e. it cannot be used outside of the expression.
- The type of the variable is determined by the type of the internal
table specified after `IN`.
- One or more iteration expressions can be specified using
`FOR`.
- The components or the whole table line that is to be returned are
specified within the pair of parentheses before the closing
parenthesis.
- In contrast to `LOOP` statements, the sequential processing
cannot be debugged.
Some examples for looping across tables and storing values in target
tables:
``` abap
"Looping across table and storing the whole line in a new table;
"the target table must have the same table type as the source table itab;
"without the WHERE condition, all lines are respected
TYPES t_type LIKE itab.
... = VALUE t_type( FOR wa IN itab
"WHERE ( comp1 > 2 )
( wa ) ).
"Storing specific components having different names by specifying the assignment
"individually; assumption: the target type is not compatible to the type of itab;
"a field mapping is provided; pay attention to potential type conversion
... = VALUE t_type( FOR wa IN itab
"WHERE ( comp1 > 2 )
( compX = wa-comp1
compY = wa-comp2 ) ).
"Storing specific components having the same names;
"assumption: Target type is not compatible to the type of itab;
"if there are identically named components in the table types, you might
"also use CORRESPONDING
... = VALUE t_type( FOR wa IN itab
"WHERE ( comp1 > 2 )
( CORRESPONDING #( wa ) ) ).
"Multiple iteration expressions
... = VALUE t_type( FOR wa1 IN itab1 WHERE ( comp1 = 4 )
FOR wa2 IN itab2 WHERE ( comp2 > 5 )
FOR wa3 IN itab3 WHERE ( comp3 < 3 )
( compX = wa1-comp1
compY = wa2-comp2
compZ = wa3-comp3 ) ).
```
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## `LET Expressions`
- [`LET`](https://help.sap.com/doc/abapdocu_cp_index_htm/CLOUD/en-US/index.htm?file=abaplet.htm)
expressions allow you to declare local helper fields (variables or
fields symbols) and assign values (the type is derived from the
defined value) to be used in constructor expressions, for example,
in iteration expressions using `FOR` or results specified in
the conditional expressions of `COND` and `SWITCH`.
- Note that the helper field is only valid in the context in which the
`LET` expression is specified.
Examples:
``` abap
"Creating a string table using a LET expression
DATA(str_tab) = VALUE string_table( LET it = `be` IN
( |To { it } is to do| )
( |To { it } or not to { it }| )
( |To do is to { it }| )
( |Do { it } do { it } do| ) ).
"Conditional expressions
DATA(a) = COND #( LET b = c IN
WHEN b > x THEN ...
WHEN b < y THEN ...
...
ELSE ... ).
```
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## Executable Example
[zcl_demo_abap_constructor_expr](./src/zcl_demo_abap_constructor_expr.clas.abap)
Note the steps outlined [here](README.md#🎬-getting-started-with-the-examples) about how to import and run the code.