Sort table by field position?

[Former Member]

Hello,

Is it possible to sort a table by field position? For example, I have table ITAB with a 4 character field F1. I want to sort the table first by the 3rd position ( itab-f12(1) ) ascending then the 4th position ( itab-f13(1) ) descending.

data: begin of itab occurs 0,

f1(4),

end of itab.

itab-f1 = '01AC'.

append itab.

itab-f1 = '02AB'.

append itab.

itab-f1 = '01CD'.

append itab.

itab-f1 = '02CA'.

append itab.

sort itab...

I thought about using TRANSLATE with a rule and converting each position to a numeric value (then transfer the value to a new 'sort' field), but I wasn't sure if there was an easier way.

The sorted table should read: '01AC' ; '02AB' ; '01CD' ; '02CA'

Any help is appreciated.

[ferry_lianto]

Hi,

Please try this.

DATA: BEGIN OF ITAB OCCURS 0,
        F1(4),
      END OF ITAB.
                                                                        
DATA: BEGIN OF ITAB2 OCCURS 0,
        F1(1),
        F2(1),
        F3(4),
      END OF ITAB2.
                                                                        
ITAB-F1 = '01AC'.
APPEND ITAB.
                                                                        
ITAB-F1 = '02AB'.
APPEND ITAB.
                                                                        
ITAB-F1 = '01CD'.
APPEND ITAB.
                                                                        
ITAB-F1 = '02CA'.
APPEND ITAB.

LOOP AT ITAB.
  ITAB2-F1 = ITAB-F1+2(1).
  ITAB2-F2 = ITAB-F1+3(1).
  ITAB2-F3 = ITAB-F1.
  APPEND ITAB2.
ENDLOOP.
                                                                        
SORT ITAB2 BY F1 ASCENDING
              F2 DESCENDING.
                                                                        
LOOP AT ITAB2.
  WRITE: / ITAB2-F3.
ENDLOOP.

Regards,

Ferry Lianto

[Former Member]

I thought of that solution, but I was trying for something that doesn't require a 'work table' or translating based on a rule. It may not be possible.

[ferry_lianto]

Hi Cal,

I don't think possible without creating another internal table.

Regards,

Ferry Lianto

[Former Member]

Hi,

You cannot sort using some characters of the field. You will need internal table to sort it.