Field symbols are similar to pointers in C language, field symbols dosen`t have any memory instead they will be pointing to a memory location.

The concept of field symbols is very important in order to increase the performance of SAP applications, but unethical use of field-symbols leads to application issues.
Field symbol name should always be within <>, example:<FS_MARA>.
Syntax for declaring a field symbol.

FIELD-SYMBOLS : <FIELD_SYMBOL> TYPE MARA-MATNR. "here MARA-MATNR is a variable type
FIELD-SYMBOLS : <FIELD_SYMBOL> TYPE  MARA. "here MARA is a structure
FIELD-SYMBOLS : <FIELD_SYMBOL> TYPE REF TO DATA . "here DATA is a reference type 
 
In the below example we are going to use field symbol as work area. 
 
REPORT ZTEST_FIELDSYMBOLS.

DATA : IT_MARA TYPE TABLE OF MARA.
DATA : WA_MARA TYPE MARA.
FIELD-SYMBOLS : <FS_MARA> TYPE MARA.
SELECT * FROM MARA
  INTO TABLE IT_MARA UP TO 50 ROWS.

LOOP AT IT_MARA ASSIGNING <FS_MARA>.
  IF <FS_MARA> IS  ASSIGNED.
    WRITE :/ <FS_MARA>-MATNR, <FS_MARA>-MTART, <FS_MARA>-MEINS.
  ENDIF.
ENDLOOP. 


Serkan AKKAVAK


Computer Engineer


serkurumsal@yandex.com