Definition of a Container (SAP Library

Definition of a Container

Use

The elements of a container are described with ID, data type reference and other properties. Container definition is carried out with the container editor.

Integration

A container definition is not an independent action. Container definitions are always carried out within a definition tool using the editor provided.

Features

Container definition

To describe which data a container can hold at runtime, of which type and under which name, the container must first be defined. This container definition defines which container elements a container holds. You can define the following containers as required:

Method container

Event container

Role container

Task container

Workflow container

Usually containers are already defined. These containers hold standard container elements defined by the workflow system. These container elements will often be adequate for your requirements meaning that a more extensive container definition will not be necessary.

Container instance

A container instance is an instance of a container at runtime. It contains a value of the defined data type for each container element.

Binding

Values can be assigned to container elements in different ways.

Value assignment via a binding from another container according to a binding definition carried out previously.

Value assignment directly to a container instance in the program of an application.

Value assignment with an initial value determined at definition time when the container instance is created.

When processing container instances within a program for object type implementation (write and read accesses), use the macro instructions provided.

Activities

You can perform these activities from the container editor. The editor is called at the following places:

For the method container or the event container in the Business Object Builder

When you create a method parameter or an event parameter, it is automatically stored in the relevant container.

For the task container or the workflow container in the task definition or the workflow definition
For the role container in the definition of the standard roles

Creating container elements

To create a new container element, select .

Editing container elements

Double-click on the relevant table entry to edit a container element.

Copying, cutting or pasting container elements

You select an element in a container by positioning the cursor on the relevant line and choosing . You can copy or cut selected container elements. If they are pasted in again, you must rename them.

Display conventions

The following conventions apply in the container editor:

Workflow system elements have a green background and are locked for processing
Container elements with import or export indicator set have a gray background
Local container elements have a white background

Container elements have the following symbols in the Workflow Builder:

Local container element
Container element with import indicator set
Container element with import and export indicators set
Container element with export indicator set