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Debugging in SAP

Debugging is a technique used to locate and resolve errors in software. It allows developers to examine variable values and trace the execution flow to pinpoint issues. The SAP debugger is a valuable tool that enables systematic analysis and troubleshooting of ABAP code. Debugging helps detect performance bottlenecks and identify the root cause of problems. To start debugging in SAP, the transaction code "/h" activates the debugger. Breakpoints can be set to halt execution at specific lines for examination. Common debug keys like F5, F6, F7 and F8 control the stepping and flow. The debugger displays variable values like internal tables which helps test and fix code.

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PRASHANT KUMAR SAHOO
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955 views

Debugging in SAP

Debugging is a technique used to locate and resolve errors in software. It allows developers to examine variable values and trace the execution flow to pinpoint issues. The SAP debugger is a valuable tool that enables systematic analysis and troubleshooting of ABAP code. Debugging helps detect performance bottlenecks and identify the root cause of problems. To start debugging in SAP, the transaction code "/h" activates the debugger. Breakpoints can be set to halt execution at specific lines for examination. Common debug keys like F5, F6, F7 and F8 control the stepping and flow. The debugger displays variable values like internal tables which helps test and fix code.

Uploaded by

PRASHANT KUMAR SAHOO
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Debugging in SAP

Date: 22/06/2023| Read Time: 4 mins

In this blog, the following points are going to be discussed: -

1) What is debugging?
2) Why do we use debugging?
3) How to achieve debugging?

What is debugging?

Debugging is a vital aspect of software development as it involves employing


techniques to locate, rectify, and resolve errors. This process enables developers
to navigate through their code, examine variable values, and pinpoint the
underlying cause of issues.

Why do we use debugging?

• The SAP Debugger is a valuable tool utilized for performing meticulous


analysis and troubleshooting of ABAP code in a systematic manner.

• Debugging serves as a means to detect performance bottlenecks within


ABAP programs. Through careful examination of the execution flow,
developers can accurately identify sections that excessively consume time
or resources, enabling optimization for enhanced overall performance.

• This technique proves particularly beneficial when attempting to identify


the underlying cause of an issue or when devising necessary functionality to
bridge any gaps in requirements.

Debugging Technique/Modes

Start the ABAP Debugger: There are multiple ways to start the ABAP Debugger,
depending on the scenario:
1. Transaction Code: Enter the transaction code "/h” in the Search bar and
press Enter. This will activate the debugger for the current session.

After entering ‘/h’, press enter and the below message will be displayed.

Upon execution, the commencement of debugging triggers the display of the


subsequent window
Commonly used debug keys:

F5: When we press F5 in debugging, you will go to the next step means your
program control goes to the next line.
F6: When you press F6 in debugging, it will execute the module without going into
it. F6 works for performs (subroutines), Function modules, Class methods, etc.
F7: When you press F7 in debugging, it will complete the current module/program
in a single step.
F8: When you press F8 in debugging, control will go to the next breakpoint if any,
or completes the program execution.

After displaying the above window, it is essential to establish a breakpoint before


proceeding to it. Prior to delving into the breakpoint concept, it is crucial to
address the term 'BREAK-POINT'.
➢ A breakpoint is a method employed to halt the execution of code at a specific
line, thereby facilitating the initiation of the debugging process.
➢ Breakpoints can be set directly within the code, with the commonly utilized
window being Desktop3.
To set a breakpoint, position the cursor on the desired line and press F6 or click
on the left margin of the code editor.
To view the content of the internal table, go to the tables tab on the Debug
window and double-click on the internal table. It displays the content of the
Internal table

Entering the name of the internal table/variable directly at the bottom of the
window allows for the immediate display of its values upon pressing enter.
The internal tables are displayed as strings as shown above it_ekpo. If one wants
to see it as fields, then double click on the internal table name in the below
window then the internal table is displayed as fields as below:

Once the program executes all breakpoints, pressing F8 will cause the execution
to pause, simultaneously deactivating the debugger and providing the desired
output.
Conclusion:
In concluding a blog post on debugging, it is crucial to highlight the
importance of debugging in the software development process.
Furthermore, it should be emphasized that debugging can effectively
save time and resources by identifying and resolving issues early in the
development cycle.

Author: -
Ashwini Mali
SAP ABAP Consultant

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