🗂️ How to Create Append & Include Structures in SAP ABAP

SAP ABAP offers two ways to extend structures and database tables: Include Structures and Append Structures.

Both are useful, but serve different purposes depending on your development scenario.

🧩 What is an Include Structure?

• Reusable structure that can be used in multiple tables.

• Can be inserted at any position in the table or structure.

• Only valid for custom (Z/Y) tables — not allowed in SAP standard tables.
  
  

🧱 What is an Append Structure?

• Not reusable — defined uniquely for each table.

• Always gets appended at the bottom of the structure.

• Can be used in both custom and SAP standard tables.
  
  

🛠️ Step-by-Step: Creating an Include Structure

1. Go to Transaction Code: SE11 (Data Dictionary).

2. Select the radio button "Data Type" and enter a name for your structure. Click Create.

3. Choose the option Structure and provide a short description.

4. Add the required fields to your structure.

5. Click Save, then Check, and Activate the structure.
   
   

➕ How to Use the Include Structure in a Table

1. Open the table definition where you want to insert the include structure.

2. Identify the field after which you want to insert the structure (e.g., after ODATE).

3. Place the cursor on the field after which you want to insert (e.g., PM - Payment Mode).

4. Go to the menu: Edit → Insert Include.

5. Enter the name of the include structure and press Enter.

6. The structure will now appear inline among the other fields.
   
   

🧱 Step-by-Step: Creating an Append Structure

1. Open the desired table in SE11.

2. On the application toolbar, click Append Structure.

3. Enter a name and a meaningful description.

4. Add the fields you need in this append structure.

5. Click Save, Check, and Activate.

6. Return to the table — the append structure will be automatically added at the end.
   
   

🔄 Quick Comparison: Include vs Append Structure

Feature	Include Structure	Append Structure
Reusability	Yes	No
Insertion Point	Anywhere in the table/structure	Always at the end
Applicable To	Only Custom (Z/Y) Tables	Custom + SAP Standard Tables

✅ Summary

• Use Include Structures for reusability and modularity in custom tables.

• Use Append Structures when you want to enhance SAP standard tables or simply need to extend any table at the end.

• Both methods are essential tools in the ABAP developer's toolkit to build scalable and maintainable applications.