As a part of the enhancement concept, it is possible to enhance ABAP source code without changing the actual code, simply by adding enhancements.
Although source code plug-ins are displayed in the same source code as the respective enhancement options, the plug-ins are stored in other include programs managed by the Enhancement Builder:
The enhancement options in ABAP source code can be explicit and implicit:
● Implicit enhancement options always exist and do not need to be assigned to an enhancement spot. More information: Implicit Enhancement Options in ABAP Source Code.
● Explicit enhancement options are defined by developers and are the places where partners and customers can implement their source-code plug-ins or overlay enhancements. More information: Explicit Enhancement Options in ABAP Source Code.
Advantages of source code enhancements:
● No modifications
● No object key is needed
● They can be switched on and off by means of the Switch Framework
● Less upgrade effort is required.
Disadvantages of source code enhancements:
● They exist only at special source code lines (implicit, explicit).
More information about the usage of source code enhancements:
● Implicit Enhancement Options in ABAP Source Codes
● Explicit Enhancement Options in ABAP Source Codes
● Creating Source Code Plug-Ins