Allow only a possible set of values to choose from while setting value in SAP ABAP

If you need to place a restriction on field values, you can use predefined domains on the column or text field to control the permissible values.

Implementation Steps

The process follows this hierarchy −

Select Table Field -> Data Element -> Specify Domain

While specifying the domain, you can set the permissible set of values which you want the table field to accept. This creates a value restriction at the domain level that applies to all fields using that domain.

Domain Value Table Configuration

To configure allowed values in your domain −

* Navigate to SE11 (ABAP Dictionary)
* Create or modify domain
* Go to Value Range tab
* Define Fixed Values or Value Table
* Specify allowed values list

Example Domain with Fixed Values

Here's how to create a domain with restricted values −

Domain: Z_STATUS_DOMAIN
Data Type: CHAR
Length: 1
Fixed Values:
  'A' - Active
  'I' - Inactive  
  'P' - Pending

Important Considerations

However, please don't consider this as a database constraint that we place in database tables. The domain logic can still be bypassed through direct code manipulation, so additional validation in your ABAP programs may be necessary for critical business rules.

Domain restrictions provide a user-friendly way to limit field values during data entry while maintaining flexibility for programmatic access when needed.