If an ABAP Dictionary object has a database table as a dependent object, the database object and runtime object of the table may have to be adjusted when the ABAP Dictionary object is activated.

Changing an ABAP Dictionary object may also affect its dependent objects. Before making a critical change, such as changing the data type or deleting a field, you should define the set of objects affected in order to estimate the implications of the planned action.

The Repository Information System

The Repository Information System ABAP Dictionary is part of the general Repository Information System. It helps you search for ABAP Dictionary objects and their users.

The where-used list for Repository objects can be called from the information system. The information system also enables you to search for objects by their attributes.

In addition to the object-specific search criteria (for example, buffering type for tables), you can search for all objects by package, short description, or author and date of last change.

The object lists created by the Repository Information System are fully integrated in the ABAP Workbench. The object lists allow you to navigate directly to the maintenance transactions for the objects found.