SAP ABAP: STRING vs XSTRING - When to Use Which?

SAP ABAP: Difference Between STRING and XSTRING

STRING and XSTRING are different data types in SAP ABAP, each serving a specific purpose. Let’s compare them in detail.

1. What is `STRING`?

Type: Textual (Character-based)
Usage: Used for handling character-based data (letters, numbers, spaces).
Storage: Dynamically allocated memory.
Encoding: Stored in Unicode format (UTF-16).
Example Usage: Storing names, descriptions, and text-based content.

Example: Working with `STRING`

DATA: lv_text TYPE string VALUE 'Hello ABAP!'.

WRITE: lv_text.  " Output: Hello ABAP!

✅ Best for: Storing and manipulating readable text.

2. What is `XSTRING`?

Type: Binary (Hexadecimal-based)
Usage: Used for handling raw binary data (files, images, PDFs).
Storage: Dynamically allocated memory.
Encoding: Stored in hexadecimal format.
Example Usage: Storing files, encrypting passwords, handling attachments.

Example: Working with `XSTRING`

DATA: lv_binary_data TYPE xstring.

lv_binary_data = 'A1B2C3'X.  " Hexadecimal format
WRITE: lv_binary_data.  " Output: (Binary representation)

✅ Best for: Handling non-textual or compressed data.

3. Key Differences Between `STRING` and `XSTRING`

Feature	`STRING` (Text)	`XSTRING` (Binary)
Data Type	Character-based (Unicode)	Binary (Hexadecimal)
Purpose	Storing readable text	Storing raw binary data
Storage	Dynamically allocated	Dynamically allocated
Encoding	UTF-16 (Unicode)	Hexadecimal
Use Case	Names, descriptions, text processing	Files, images, encryption, compressed data
Processing	Text manipulation functions (`CONCATENATE`, `SPLIT`, `REPLACE`)	Requires conversion (`SCMS_BINARY_TO_STRING`, `SCMS_STRING_TO_BINARY`)

4. Converting Between `STRING` and `XSTRING`

🔹 Converting `STRING` to `XSTRING` (Text to Binary)

Use the SCMS_STRING_TO_XSTRING function module.

DATA: lv_string  TYPE string VALUE 'Hello ABAP!',
      lv_xstring TYPE xstring.

CALL FUNCTION 'SCMS_STRING_TO_XSTRING'
  EXPORTING
    text   = lv_string
  IMPORTING
    buffer = lv_xstring.

WRITE: lv_xstring.  " Output: Binary representation

🔹 Converting `XSTRING` to `STRING` (Binary to Text)

Use the SCMS_XSTRING_TO_STRING function module.

DATA: lv_xstring TYPE xstring,
      lv_string  TYPE string.

lv_xstring = '48656C6C6F2041424150'X.  " Hex for 'Hello ABAP'

CALL FUNCTION 'SCMS_XSTRING_TO_STRING'
  EXPORTING
    buffer     = lv_xstring
  IMPORTING
    text       = lv_string.

WRITE: lv_string.  " Output: Hello ABAP!

5. When to Use `STRING` vs. `XSTRING`

Scenario	Use `STRING`	Use `XSTRING`
Storing user input	✅	❌
Handling XML or JSON	✅	❌
Working with binary files (PDF, Images)	❌	✅
Encrypting passwords	❌	✅
Storing SAP long texts	✅	❌
Sending HTTP/REST API responses	✅	✅ (for binary responses)

Conclusion

Use STRING for textual data.
Use XSTRING for binary or encoded data (e.g., files, encryption).
Convert between them using SAP function modules like SCMS_STRING_TO_XSTRING.

1. What is STRING?

Example: Working with STRING

2. What is XSTRING?

Example: Working with XSTRING

3. Key Differences Between STRING and XSTRING

4. Converting Between STRING and XSTRING

🔹 Converting STRING to XSTRING (Text to Binary)

🔹 Converting XSTRING to STRING (Binary to Text)

5. When to Use STRING vs. XSTRING