In SAP ABAP reporting, which of the following are examples of event keywords that control processing blocks in an executable report program?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: INITIALIZATION, AT SELECTION-SCREEN, START-OF-SELECTION, END-OF-SELECTION

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
ABAP report programs are structured around event blocks that the runtime environment calls in a defined order. These event blocks begin with specific event keywords such as INITIALIZATION and START-OF-SELECTION. Knowing these event keywords is essential for understanding and writing ABAP reports, which is why interview questions often ask for examples of report event keywords.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • We are considering executable ABAP reports, not class based applications or other technologies.
  • Events such as INITIALIZATION, AT SELECTION-SCREEN, START-OF-SELECTION, and END-OF-SELECTION are part of the classic reporting model.
  • Other statements such as CREATE TABLE or DROP TABLE are SQL or administrative commands, not report events.
  • The question asks which group of terms represents report event keywords.


Concept / Approach:
ABAP uses a predefined set of events that divide a report into logical phases. INITIALIZATION is executed before the selection screen is displayed, allowing default values to be set. AT SELECTION-SCREEN events run during user interaction with the selection screen. START-OF-SELECTION marks the start of the main processing logic after the user has entered selections. END-OF-SELECTION is executed after main processing, often used for final list preparation. These event blocks are introduced by event keywords and are central to report program flow.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the typical order of events in an ABAP report: LOAD-OF-PROGRAM, INITIALIZATION, AT SELECTION-SCREEN, START-OF-SELECTION, and END-OF-SELECTION, among others. Step 2: INITIALIZATION is used to set default values and initialise variables before the selection screen appears. Step 3: AT SELECTION-SCREEN events validate user input and react to selection screen actions. Step 4: START-OF-SELECTION contains the main data retrieval and processing logic. Step 5: END-OF-SELECTION can be used for final calculations and list building after the main logic completes. Step 6: Option a lists exactly these event keywords, whereas the other options list commands related to database administration, system operations, or external tools, none of which are ABAP report event keywords.


Verification / Alternative check:
Opening any standard ABAP report in SE38 or SE80 often reveals event blocks with these keywords. Documentation on ABAP programming explicitly describes these events as central to the report lifecycle. There is no event called CREATE TABLE or UPDATE KERNEL in the ABAP event model for reports, which confirms that the examples in option a are the genuine report event keywords.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option b includes SQL and transaction related commands that are not events. Option c describes system administration activities, not ABAP report events. Option d refers to user interface actions related to operating system programs or office tools, which are outside the ABAP report event concept.


Common Pitfalls:
A common pitfall is to put all report logic into START-OF-SELECTION and ignore the power of other events, leading to less structured code. Another is to misunderstand the timing of INITIALIZATION and AT SELECTION-SCREEN, causing default value issues or validation problems. Remembering the main event keywords and their roles helps produce cleaner, more maintainable ABAP reports and is key to performing well in technical interviews.


Final Answer:
INITIALIZATION, AT SELECTION-SCREEN, START-OF-SELECTION, END-OF-SELECTION.

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