reference variablies versus field symbols

[Former Member]

hello,

can some body please explain me (with relevant proofs if any) which of the above two is best and more advantageous??

Looking forward for ur replies.

Thanks in advance.

[Former Member]

Hi Pramod,

One quick reply to this is

Field symbol is a dereferenced pointer.

Referenced variable is a pointer.

Field symbol holds the data.

Ref. var holds the address of the data.

Using Field symbol u can not instantiate a class.

Reward points if useful,

Aleem.

[Former Member]

Hi,

reference variablies -> This wil Hold the address number of the data

field symbols --> Will point to the Address number and it will hold the data

Regards

Sudheer

[uwe_schieferstein]

Hello Pramod

If you need a reference variable which has "field symbol" like properties simply use:

DATA:
  lo_object       TYPE REF TO object.  " root of all ABAP classes

This variable will hold instances of any ABAP class or interface.

In order to use any method you have to do the appropriate casting, e.g.:

  DATA:
    lo_class     TYPE REF TO cl_oo_class.


  CREATE OBJECT lo_object  TYPE ('CL_OO_CLASS').  " or:

  CREATE OBJECT lo_class
     EXPORTING
      ...

  lo_object = lo_class.

  lo_class ?= lo_object.  " casting
  CALL METHOD lo_class->...( ).

Regards

Uwe