VBS_SCRIPT-Reference Field name SAP

 

In SAP GUI scripting, there can be differences between the field name you see in the technical information (e.g., "WERKS") and the actual reference used in the script (e.g., "ctxtS_WERKS-LOW"). Here's a breakdown of why this happens and how to interpret these differences:

Breakdown of Field Reference

1. Field Name (WERKS):
   The field name shown in the technical information (e.g., WERKS) is the data element or ABAP field name associated with the field in the underlying SAP program or table. This represents the actual business data (e.g., Plant).

2. Scripting Identifier (ctxtS_WERKS-LOW):

   • ctxt: This part of the reference indicates the type of control in the SAP GUI. For example:
     • txt: Text field
     • ctxt: Combobox or dropdown field
     • pwd: Password field
     • btn: Button
   • S_WERKS: This part is an SAP-generated name based on the technical field name. Sometimes it is prefixed with an additional character, like S_, indicating that it is part of a selection screen (S_ stands for selection). This is common when you're dealing with selection screens, like in reports (transactions such as SE38 or selection screens in standard reports).
   • -LOW: This indicates that the field is part of a range. In selection screens, fields are often part of a range with LOW being the lower bound and HIGH being the upper bound. For instance:
     • ctxtS_WERKS-LOW: The lower limit (start value) for the Plant (WERKS).
     • ctxtS_WERKS-HIGH: The upper limit (end value) for the Plant (WERKS).

Example Interpretation

• Technical Name: WERKS (as shown in the technical information window)
• Scripting Reference: ctxtS_WERKS-LOW
  • ctxt: Combobox or input field
  • S_WERKS: Corresponding to the WERKS field in the technical information
  • LOW: Lower bound for a selection range (used in reports and selection screens)

Why the Difference?

The difference between WERKS and ctxtS_WERKS-LOW exists because SAP GUI scripting uses identifiers that represent GUI controls, while the technical information shows the underlying field name. In selection screens (e.g., ME21N, VA01), fields often get additional prefixes and suffixes to differentiate the GUI controls, especially when working with ranges or selection criteria.

How to Match Them

• Technical Info (WERKS): Use the technical information to get the underlying field name (business logic).
• Script Reference (ctxtS_WERKS-LOW): Use the SAP scripting object inspector or record actions to get the actual script reference for the field (GUI logic).

Both pieces of information are necessary: the technical field name (WERKS) helps with understanding the business object, while the scripting reference (ctxtS_WERKS-LOW) is required for automating interaction via SAP GUI scripting.