💡 SAP ABAP Tip - Backticks (`) vs Single Quotes (') in ABAP – A Small Syntax Difference with a Big Impact

 Modern ABAP introduced several features that make code cleaner and more expressive. One subtle but important difference is the choice between backticks (`) and single quotes (').

Although both represent text literals, they result in different data types, especially when using inline declarations.

Let's understand the difference.

Scenario

Consider the following inline declaration:

Using Backticks

DATA(lv_text) = `123`.

Result

lv_text is inferred as:

TYPE string

A dynamic-length string is created.

Using Single Quotes

DATA(lv_text) = '123'.

Result

lv_text is inferred as:

TYPE c LENGTH 3

A fixed-length character field is created.

1️⃣ What is the Difference?

✅ Backticks (`)

DATA(lv_text) = `SAP ABAP`.

Characteristics:

• Creates a STRING data type
• Dynamic length
• No predefined size limit (other than system limits)
• Ideal for modern ABAP development
• Preferred when working with dynamic text

✅ Single Quotes (')

DATA(lv_text) = 'SAP ABAP'.

Characteristics:

• Creates a fixed-length character field (TYPE C)
• Length is inferred from the literal
• Suitable for short, fixed-size values
• Traditional ABAP syntax

2️⃣ Why Does This Matter?

When using inline declarations, ABAP automatically determines the variable type based on the literal.

For example:

DATA(lv_string) = `Hello`.

Result:

TYPE string

Whereas:

DATA(lv_char) = 'Hello'.

Result:

TYPE c LENGTH 5

The syntax you choose directly affects the inferred data type.

3️⃣ Practical Differences

Backticks (`)	Single Quotes (')
Creates STRING	Creates TYPE C
Dynamic length	Fixed length
Modern ABAP style	Classic ABAP style
Best for variable-length text	Best for fixed values
Ideal for long text and concatenation	Useful for constants and short literals

4️⃣ When Should You Use Each?

✅ Use Backticks When

• Working with dynamic text
• Using string templates
• Concatenating large strings
• Building JSON or XML payloads
• Writing modern ABAP code

Example:

DATA(lv_message) = `Order created successfully`.

✅ Use Single Quotes When

• Defining fixed character literals
• Comparing short constant values
• Working with legacy code
• Assigning values to TYPE C fields

Example:

IF lv_status = 'A'.
  " Active
ENDIF.

5️⃣ Does Assignment Still Work Between STRING and TYPE C?

Yes.

ABAP performs implicit conversions where appropriate.

Example:

DATA lv_char   TYPE c LENGTH 10.
DATA lv_string TYPE string.

lv_string = 'SAP'.
lv_char   = `ABAP`.

The assignments are valid, but remember that TYPE C fields have a fixed length and may be padded with trailing spaces.

⚠️ Important Note About Trailing Spaces

One key difference is how trailing spaces are handled.

DATA(lv_char)   = 'ABC'.
DATA(lv_string) = `ABC`.

While both display the same value, a TYPE C field always has a fixed length and pads unused positions with spaces. A STRING stores only the actual content.

This distinction becomes important when performing string operations, comparisons, or interfacing with APIs.

🎯 Interview Tip

If an interviewer asks:

"What is the difference between backticks and single quotes in ABAP?"

A basic answer is:

"Backticks create a STRING, while single quotes create a character field."

A stronger answer is:

"In inline declarations, backticks infer a STRING (dynamic-length text), whereas single quotes infer a fixed-length TYPE C. Choosing the appropriate literal improves readability and avoids unnecessary type conversions in Modern ABAP."

This shows that you understand both the syntax and its impact on data types.

📌 Key Takeaways

• Backticks ()** create a **STRING` (dynamic-length text).
• Single quotes (') create a TYPE C (fixed-length character field).
• Inline declarations infer the variable type from the literal you use.
• Prefer backticks for modern ABAP, dynamic text, JSON/XML payloads, and string manipulation.
• Use single quotes when working with fixed character values or legacy code.

💬 Interview Challenge

What will be the inferred data type of the following variables?

DATA(lv_a) = `100`.
DATA(lv_b) = '100'.
DATA(lv_c) = |100|.

Can you identify the type of each variable and explain the difference?

Share your answer in the comments! 👇