Match the target shape to the number of rows

A query can return zero, one, or many rows. Choose a target that communicates which case your program expects.

Many rows: INTO TABLE

SELECT FROM zi_dispatch_order
  FIELDS dispatchorder, status
  WHERE status = 'OPEN'
  INTO TABLE @DATA(orders).

The internal table receives all matching rows. It can be empty, which is a normal result and should be handled intentionally.

One row: INTO

For a source/key combination that is guaranteed unique, an ordinary target can receive one row:

SELECT SINGLE FROM zi_dispatch_order
  FIELDS dispatchorder, status
  WHERE dispatchorder = @order_id
  INTO @DATA(order).

Use SINGLE when the predicate identifies at most one row, usually through a key. For a query where any first matching row would be acceptable, make row selection deterministic with an ordering strategy supported by the release rather than assuming an arbitrary row is meaningful. Handle the no-match case.

Other target forms

An explicit work area target and a previously declared internal table can be clearer in older or heavily typed code. Inline declaration is concise when the target type is evident. Choose the form your team can maintain and your release supports.

Practice

The task may return many rows: complete INTO TABLE @DATA(orders) and set result to the row count. The checker does not run the query or validate the actual data.

Sources

• SAP Samples, ABAP SQL
• SAP Help Portal, ABAP SQL

Version note: SELECT SINGLE, inline targets, and modern field-list syntax have release/language-version requirements.

SELECT FROM zi_dispatch_order
  FIELDS dispatchorder, status
  WHERE status = 'OPEN'
  INTO TABLE @DATA(orders).
DATA(result) = lines( orders ).

WRITE result.

out->write( result ).