What are match codes? Describe?

A matchcode is a means of finding data records stored in the system. The matchcode is defined in the ABAP Dictionary in two steps:

• You first define the relevant tables and fields for the search in a matchcode object. A matchcode object describes the set of all possible search paths for a search string.

• You then create one or more matchcode IDs for a matchcode object. A matchcode ID describes a special search path for a search string. The matchcode ID defines the fields or field combinations to be used in the search.

A material number must be entered in a screen field. Since the user cannot be expected to know this number, it must be possible to search for this number using the attributes of the corresponding material.

Several search paths are possible for this search. For example, you can search for the material number with the material name, the material class or the material manufacturer.

The corresponding match code object then comprises the fields for the material number, material name, material class and manufacturer. One match code ID corresponds to each search path. For example, ID A could describe the search for the material number by manufacturer. This ID only contains the fields for the material number and manufacturer.

The tables relevant for the search are included in a match code object. The table selection is based on one primary table. Further secondary tables can also be included, which are linked with the primary table by foreign keys. The fields of the match code object can then be selected from the base tables.

A match code object is not stored physically. It only describes a complete logical view on one or more tables.