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Definition

The object directory is a directory of all the Repository objects that make up the SAP System.

These include the following:

  • ABAP report programs
  • Classes and interfaces
  • Function groups
  • ABAP Dictionary objects (domains, data elements, tables)
Use

The object directory contains standard SAP objects that already exist in a newly installed SAP System as well as your own objects, which you create while working with the ABAP Workbench.

When you create an object, the corresponding object directory entry is also created.

Some Repository objects consist of several sub-objects, which you can edit separately in the ABAP Workbench.

Object

Subobjects

Function groups

ABAP source code

Screens

GUI interface

Text elements

Function modules

Global data (TOP include)

and others

These sub-objects do not have their own object directory entry. Only the complete objects are listed in the directory.

Object attributes are also entered in the object directory. They are important for organizing development in the ABAP Workbench and for coordinating the distribution of developments between SAP Systems. The most important object attributes are the following:

  • Package

    Each object is assigned to a package. When the object is created, the package is queried by the SAP system. The packages are used to structure the Repository and assign the objects to the various SAP components. It also controls the recording and transport of object changes by the Transport Organizer.

  • Original System

    The original system of an object is the SAP System in which the object was created and in which the object is edited for further developments and corrections. The original system is unique for each object within a system group. You can change the original system of an object by making a relocation transport.

  • Person Responsible for Object

    Each object is assigned a user as the person responsible. This means that when there you have questions concerning functions or if problems arise - even in an SAP System other than the original system - you can quickly determine the relevant contact person.

  • Original Language

    Objects with language-specific components, such as text elements, have an original language. This is the logon language in which the object was created. This attribute is needed to control the translation process if you are developing in more than one language in your SAP system. The original language can be changed when the object is edited in another logon language and this is confirmed explicitly.

  • Generation Flag

    In many application areas of the SAP system - in particular in the Customizing transactions - ABAP programs, ABAP Dictionary objects, or other objects are generated automatically from user entries, and are used later when the SAP system is operating productively. These objects are flagged as "generated" in the object directory. To display this flag, use the function Object Attributes on the dialog box for displaying or maintaining the object directory entry.

  • Repair Flag

    In problem situations, it may be necessary to change an object in an SAP System that is not the original system. Such a change is referred to as a "repair". This object is flagged as "repaired" in the object directory. To display this flag, use the function Object Attributes on the dialog box for displaying or maintaining the object directory entry.

There are various access points for displaying and editing object directory entries. The most important are:

  • When you create an object, you are prompted for its package. The current user is proposed as the person responsible. When you access the ABAP Workbench using a predefined package (Start of the navigation path Object Navigator Next navigation step Package Next navigation step Display End of the navigation path) you are not prompted for a package name.

  • In the Transport Organizer Tools (transaction SE03), there are various selection reports under the Object Directory node, with which you can edit directory entries of selected objects or change the person responsible for the objects.

  • From most of the object editors in the ABAP Workbench, you can display the directory entry by choosing Start of the navigation path Goto Next navigation step Object Directory Entry End of the navigation path. From the Request Overview of the Transport Organizer, you can display the directory entry by choosing Start of the navigation path Object List Next navigation step Object Directory Entries End of the navigation path.

  • In the object overviews of the ABAP Workbench Object Navigator (SE80), you can change the package to which individual or selected objects belong with the Reassign function.