The Package Builder is a crucial tool in the ABAP workbench that is used for implementation purposes. It acts as a container for development objects like menus, screens, functional modules, transactions, etc. With the Package Builder, you can easily create and maintain development classes and transfer objects between different packages.
Transaction code SE21 or SAPCKAGE is used, open Package builder
Features of Package Builder
- Create a hierarchy of packages and subpackages for efficient organization.
- Specify package interfaces for potential users, defining accessible functionalities.
- Expose repository objects through package interfaces for controlled access.
- Define user permissions for client packages to regulate service usage.
- Restrict interface access to selected and authorized users.
Tasks of Package Builder
- Defining package interface & restrictions for users: The Package Builder enables developers to specify which objects are accessible to users outside the package.
- Setting user access to services from other packages: With Package Builder, developers can define permissions for users to use services provided by different packages within the system.
- Creating packages & sub-packages: Developers can use the Package Builder to create new packages to organize their development objects. Additionally, they can create sub-packages to further categorize and manage related artifacts within a structured hierarchy.
- Establishing a hierarchical package structure: The Package Builder helps in defining a hierarchical arrangement of packages and sub-packages.
- Defining user package interface for controlled access: By defining a package interface, developers set the boundary for objects accessible to users outside the package.
Types of Package Builder
Package Builder creates two types of packages:
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Server Package (Provider Package): The Server Package, also known as the Provider Package, contains various development tools like BAPIs, Classes, Programs, Functional Modules, Types, and more. Its main tasks include creating packages and defining their hierarchical structure. It also facilitates access to the content of one package from another package through the package interface.
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Client Package (User Package): The Client Package, also known as the User Package, is where user access to the visible services of other packages is defined. It provides a structure for the package similar to the Server Package.
These two types of packages, Server and Client (Provider and User), work together to organize and manage development objects efficiently within the ABAP workbench.