Search Category
Definition
Classifies a search of the search framework.
Use
When you configure a search in customizing, you must specify a search category.
The search category determines which technical concept or which tool is used for the search (for example, a function module or a query). The search category thus has a strong influence on the search behavior at runtime.
Depending on the search category, different customizing settings are relevant for control of the search. For this reason, the search category defines which maintenance dialog is called for maintenance of the customizing settings.
You can change or enhance search categories. To do so, call transaction IGN_SEARCH_TYPE02.
Structure
The following search categories have been predefined by SAP, in other words the corresponding ABAP classes and view clusters are included in the delivery:
Search via search function module
Search via query
Search via BDT application object (application object of a Business Data Toolset (BDT) search)
Search sequences
You can use search sequences to map complex search procedures in which the decision when to end the search is not made until runtime.
You can define the following for search sequences:
You can define several searches in any sequence of your choice.
You can stipulate termination conditions .
You can define the integration of the hit lists of the individual searches .
Search categories are represented at runtime by ABAP classes that implement the IF_IGN_SEARCH interface. These are usually subclasses of class CL_IGN_SEARCH.
In addition, a view cluster is assigned to each search category. You can make the required customizing settings via this view cluster.
Integration
Each search of the search framework is assigned to just one search category.