In SAPscript, what is the difference between OPEN_FORM and START_FORM, and why must you always close a form after it has been opened?

Introduction / Context:
SAPscript is an older SAP technology used for designing and printing forms such as invoices and delivery notes. When printing SAPscript forms programmatically, you work with function modules like OPEN_FORM, START_FORM, and CLOSE_FORM. Understanding how these calls relate to each other is important for controlling spool requests, performance, and system resources. This question focuses on the roles of OPEN_FORM and START_FORM and explains why forms must be closed properly.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• We are using SAPscript, not Smart Forms, for print output.
• We call function modules such as OPEN_FORM, START_FORM, and CLOSE_FORM from ABAP.
• The question asks about the difference between OPEN_FORM and START_FORM and the reason for closing forms.

Concept / Approach:
In a typical SAPscript printing sequence, OPEN_FORM is used to open the form processing environment and set output parameters such as printer and language. START_FORM starts a specific form or allows switching between forms within the same open session. CLOSE_FORM closes the current form and finalizes the spool request. Without closing the form, the spool is incomplete, resources remain allocated, and the output may not appear correctly in the spool or on the printer.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Use OPEN_FORM to initialize the SAPscript output session and set parameters like device, language, and form name defaults. Step 2: After OPEN_FORM, call START_FORM if you want to start processing a specific SAPscript form or to switch to another form within the same open session. Step 3: During the active form, you call WRITE_FORM or other routines to print windows and paragraphs defined in the form. Step 4: Once all output for the form is complete, call END_FORM or CLOSE_FORM to mark the end of processing. Step 5: The CLOSE_FORM call finalizes the spool request, writes all pending pages, and releases memory and system resources.

Verification / Alternative check:
You can verify this behaviour by writing a demonstration program that calls OPEN_FORM and START_FORM but does not call CLOSE_FORM. In transaction SP01, you may see incomplete or missing spool entries. After adding CLOSE_FORM, the spool shows properly completed output. This confirms that OPEN_FORM and START_FORM control the session and specific form, while closing is required to finalize printing.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A is incorrect because OPEN_FORM does not automatically print all pages in one step; it only opens the processing environment and spool request. START_FORM does not only print the first page and forms are not closed automatically. Option C is incorrect because OPEN_FORM and START_FORM are SAPscript functions, not Smart Forms functions, and explicit closing is still required. Option D is incorrect because OPEN_FORM and START_FORM are not synonyms; they have distinct roles, and not closing forms can cause spool and resource problems.

Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake is forgetting to call CLOSE_FORM, which can lead to incomplete printouts or spool inconsistencies. Developers also sometimes confuse START_FORM with OPEN_FORM, using them in the wrong order. Another pitfall is not understanding that switching between different forms within one session requires careful use of START_FORM and END_FORM. Following the correct sequence OPEN_FORM, START_FORM, WRITE_FORM calls, and finally CLOSE_FORM helps ensure stable and predictable SAPscript output.

Final Answer:
OPEN_FORM opens the spool request and output session, while START_FORM starts or switches to a specific form within that open session, and you must close the form to finalize the spool and release resources.