In applications, many matchcode IDs which are rarely used in certain areas are created automatically. These superfluous IDs could affect system response times.

The Deactivate function in the menu Matchcode ID in the maintenance screen for the attributes of the matchcode ID allows you to alleviate this problem. Unlike when a matchcode ID is deleted, the definition of the ID is kept in the ABAP Dictionary when an ID is deactivated. If you need the ID again at a later time, you can simply activate it again.

The Deactivate function can only be executed for active matchcode IDs. Before a matchcode ID can be deactivated, the objects in the database belonging to the ID (such as a view or index for IDs of update type I) are deleted.

The matchcode records of an inactive ID are not automatically adjusted to data changes in matchcode IDs of update type S. The matchcode records must be rebuilt using the matchcode utility after you have activated them again.

Inactive matchcode IDs are not proposed for selection when you use the F4 help.