What is the difference between global and local classes in SAP ABAP and when would you use each?

Global vs Local Classes in SAP ABAP: Understanding the Difference

In SAP ABAP, the key distinction between global and local classes lies in their scope of visibility and accessibility within the program.

Global Classes:
Global classes in SAP ABAP are accessible throughout the entire system, making them suitable for common functionalities and reusable components. These classes can be called from any program or function module within the system. Global classes are typically defined in a separate class pool and can be viewed and accessed by any program.

When to use Global Classes:
- When the functionality needs to be shared and accessed by multiple programs within the system.
- For creating reusable components and utilities that are required across different modules.
- To centralize the logic and business rules that are common to various programs.

Local Classes:
Local classes, on the other hand, are restricted in scope and are specific to the program in which they are defined. These classes are encapsulated within a program and can only be accessed within that program's context. Local classes are defined within the program using the `CLASS...ENDCLASS` statement.

When to use Local Classes:
- When the functionality is specific to a particular program and does not need to be accessed outside of that program.
- For implementing logic that is only relevant to a particular module or process.
- To keep the code modular and organized within the program.

In conclusion, the choice between global and local classes in SAP ABAP depends on the requirement and scope of the functionality. Global classes offer broader accessibility and reusability, while local classes provide encapsulation and localization of logic within a specific program.

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