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ABAP Keyword Documentation → ABAP − Reference → Declarations →Typing
Typing means defining a generic or complete data type for a formal parameter of a procedure or for a field symbol. When an actual parameter is assigned to a formal parameter, or a data object to a field symbol, a check is carried out to make sure the data type matches the typing.
Generically Typed
Unlike data objects, where the data type has a specific property and is always fully established, formal parameters and field symbols that are generically typed receive their complete data type only upon transfer of an actual parameter when a procedure is called or when a memory area is assigned using ASSIGN.
When using generically typed formal parameters or field symbols, a difference is made between static and dynamic access.
The attributes of the actual parameter, which are not checked in calls or assignments, can be different from those of the formal parameter. This can produce different behavior in static and dynamic accesses. Dynamic access to components of generically typed formal parameters produces a runtime error, if the components are not available in the actual parameter.
Fully Typed
During compilation and at runtime, formal parameters and field symbols that are completely typed are treated in the same way as data objects with completely known data types.
During the use of completely typed formal parameters, or field symbols, the attributes specified by the typing are used, regardless of whether they are accessed statically or dynamically.
Notes
Programming Guideline
Be as specific as possible when typing formal parameters