Main ALV Classes

Definition

You are using the ALV object model with one of the following main ALV classes:

If you have decided on one of the ALV tools, you use the corresponding main ALV class to make all the settings that you need for the ALV output.

In the ALV main classes, you will find somewhat uniform methods that you use to provide the required specifications:

Minimum Information

In each of the three main ALV classes, you must call at least the following methods to obtain your desired ALV output:

You instantiate the main ALV class:
- You define the internal data table that provides the structure and content of the ALV output, as needed.
- You define which display type you want to use for the ALV output.
You display the ALV output on your screen.

Optional Methods in All Main ALV Classes

You can also make a variety of settings to control the ALV output.

Example

The following list includes some examples for methods that you are able to use in all three main ALV classes:

GET_COLUMNS You get a reference to the individual column objects of the ALV output and make all the technical settings for a column.
GET_FUNCTIONS You get a reference to the function object of the ALV output and use it to define which functions the user is able to use when working with ALV.
GET_EVENT You get a reference to the events that you are able to process in the ALV output.

Note

Depending on the main ALV class in which you are using these methods, they return objects of different types.

Optional, Class-Specific Methods

The three main ALV class are based on various data models. This means you can also make various settings, depending on which ALV tool you are using.

Example

The following list includes some examples for methods that you are able to use only in specific main ALV classes:

GET_LEVEL

This method can only be found in the main ALV class CL_SALV_HIERSEQ_TABLE. There you get a reference to the objects in the two hierarchy levels.
GET_NODES

This method can only be found in the main ALV class CL_SALV_TREE. There you get a reference to the node objects (rows) of the tree structure.
GET_SORTS

You are only able to sort in the simple, two-dimensional table or in the hierarchical-sequential list. This method is not available in the tree structure.

Note

The Retrieving and Modifiying Subobjects for a Main Class chapter includes the class diagrams for the three main ALV classes, along with information on the getter methods that you use to retrieve the respective objects.