ABAP Source Code Enhancements 

Definition

As a part of the enhancement concept, it is possible to enhance ABAP source code without changing the actual code, simply by adding enhancements.

Source Code Plug-in Technology

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:

Types of Source Code Enhancements

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.

Source Code Enhancements versus Modifications

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