Users can run executable programs either in the foreground, by entering the program name in Transaction SA38 (System ® Services ® Reporting), or as a background job. You can only run a program in the background if there is no dialog-controlled execution. You do not need to assign a transaction code to an executable program, although you may if you wish, and you do not have to use the Screen Painter to create any screens for it.

When you run an executable program, the program flow is controlled by a series of processors in the runtime environment. These trigger a set sequence of events, to which you can react in corresponding processing blocks in the program. The flow an executable program conforms to the programming standard DIN 66220.

The program starts with an initialization phase, followed by a selection screen. It then retrieves, processes, and displays data. This process is best suited to reading and displaying data (reporting). Because of this, executable programs are often known as reports. You can either program the blocks for selecting and reading data in your program, or you can use a logical database instead.

Linking to a Logical Database

Event Blocks in Executable Programs