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Use

The source code-based editor is a programming tool that works with programming languages that have a defined syntax schema such as ABAP, eCATT, BSP and so on.

Integration

The source code-based editor is fully integrated into following transactions:

  • Object Navigator (transaction SE80),
  • Class Builder (transaction SE24),
  • Function Builder (transaction SE37),
  • Report Builder (transaction SE38),
  • Web Dynpro (transaction SE80),
  • Simple and XML transformations (transaction STRANS),
  • and so on.

Prerequisites

The source code-based editor is available with SAP GUI for Windows 6.40 Patch Level 10 or higher. In order to have the editor integrated into the ABAP Workbench and use all related transactions, you need the appropriate SAP system version. The first version supporting the new editor is SAP NetWeaver 7.0.

Features

The source code-based editor offers a wide range of modern programming technologies, such as powerful syntax highlighting, outlining of language structures, code hints and auto-completion of language structures and elements.

The source code-based editor has an option for creating new language schemes and for adjusting the language syntax by means of XML configuration files. By default, the editor supports a syntax scheme for ABAP but the dynamic plugging of code written in other languages is also possible.

The functional shell for creating and applying user-defined source code templates with editor variables and interactive elements speeds up the development process and reduces the amount of routine coding.The new source code-based editor supports color printing with WYSIWYG print preview that facilitates the creation of documents and complex programs listings.

The extensive formatting functions - automatic code indentation, smart tabs, automatic insertion of brackets, case- and mistyping correction - increase the interactivity of the development process and offer significantly improved functionality.

The following figure illustrates the main features:

Activities

To switch to the source code-based editor:

  1. In any ABAP Workbench tool, Start of the navigation path Utilities Next navigation step Settings End of the navigation path.
  2. On the User Specific Settings screen, choose the ABAP Editor tab page.
  3. Choose the Source Code-Based Editor radio button.
  4. Choose Transfer (Enter).

To open the help file about the source code-based editor:

  1. Switch to the new Front-End Editor.
  2. Choose the Options button ( ) in the lower right-hand corner of the screen and press F1.

    The Front-End Editor Help screen appears.