How to identify a data reference

[Former Member]

Hi,

Probably a very simple question, but i was not able to find the answer (yet). Hopefully you can help me.

I have a data reference, which is a TYPE REF TO data

In some cases the reference can point to a table and in the other cases it points to a structure.

Now i want to know how i can identify the DATA reference if it is a table or structure?

Regards,

/Peter

In the expample below, how to i know LR_DATATAB is refering to a table and LR_DATASTRUC is refering to a structure?

====example===

REPORT zpval_test01.

TYPES ty_t_t001 TYPE STANDARD TABLE OF t001.

DATA lt_t001 TYPE STANDARD TABLE OF t001.

DATA ls_t001 LIKE LINE OF lt_t001.

DATA lr_datatab TYPE REF TO data.

DATA lr_datastruc TYPE REF TO data.

START-OF-SELECTION.

SELECT *

FROM t001

INTO TABLE lt_t001.

READ TABLE lt_t001 INTO ls_t001

INDEX 1.

CREATE DATA lr_datatab TYPE ty_t_t001.

GET REFERENCE OF lt_t001 INTO lr_datatab.

CREATE DATA lr_datastruc TYPE t001.

GET REFERENCE OF ls_t001 INTO lr_datastruc.

[brad_bohn]

You can use the RTTI classes to identify the type of reference. For example, using cl_abap_typedescr=>describe_by_data_ref, you would pass either data reference to the call. The received object is declared generally as TYPE REF TO cl_abap_typedescr, but the reference you get back is either an instance of class CL_ABAP_STRUCTDESCR or CL_ABAP_TABLEDESCR.

[AlexanderOv]

Hi,

You can see the example in [documentation|http://help.sap.com/saphelp_nw2004s/helpdata/en/fc/eb3145358411d1829f0000e829fbfe/frameset.htm]

[Former Member]

Hi all,

DESCRIBE FIELD <l_tab> TYPE l_type. does the thing.

For a table TYPE = h and for a structure TYPE = u.

Thanks all,

Peter