Where is the documentation for ABAP CDS Define Table (not Function) Statement?

[Former Member]

Hi,

I'm working on some S/4HANA solutions across both 1610 and 1709 on-premise versions. I've noticed that with 1709 there is a different way to create tables using a CDS "Define Table" syntax that doesn't appear available in the 1610 systems (where it reverts to opening SE11 in ADT.) I'm assuming this is due to the different version of the underlying ABAP/BASIS components.

I'm trying to find any documentation/help/guidance/anything at all on this but drawing a blank as most Google and SCN searches lead me to information relating to CDS Table Functions.

Any ideas, anyone?

[retired_member]

There simply is no DEFINE TABLE statement in ABAP CDS. I guess you mix it up with the DEFINE TABLE statement of the source code based ADT tool for classical database tables. I already wondered why there aren't more questions about that, because it might be a bit confusing. Looks like CDS, smells like CDS, tastes like CDS, but isn't CDS.

https://help.sap.com/http.svc/rc/abapdocu_752_index_htm/7.52/en-US/index.htm?file=abenddic_tools.htm

Just by coincidence I'm currently working on an ABAP Keyword Documentation version for that Dictionary DDL that should backup the following ADT documentation a bit.

https://help.sap.com/viewer/c238d694b825421f940829321ffa326a/7.52.0/en-US/fc6cd6f7d02f4546a33feb3f5f...

The DEFINE TYPE described there is in fact either DEFINE STRUCTURE or DEFINE TABLE. That's why you didn't find it.

[Former Member]

Hi Horst,

Thanks for the clarification - it explains why I could find no mention of this statement in anything relating to CDS content!

Indeed, it does look, smell and taste like CDS but the big clue is that the artifacts are not stored under the CDS content node in ADT...

I think this addition to make the base DDIC creation look, taste and smell like CDS is a good thing as it brings more consistency to the whole app design/build process.