---
parser: v2
auto_validation: true
primary_tag: programming-tool>abap-development
tags: [  tutorial>beginner, software-product>sap-netweaver ]
time: 15
author_name: Julie Plummer
author_profile: https://github.com/julieplummer20
slug: abap-dev-adt-create-new-structure
canonical_url: https://developers.sap.com/tutorials/abap-dev-adt-create-new-structure
---

# Create a New ABAP Dictionary Structure
<!-- description --> Create an ABAP Dictionary structure for retrieving data from a database

## Prerequisites  
 - You have a valid instance of an on-premise AS ABAP server, version 7.51 or higher (some ABAP Development Tools may not be available in earlier versions)
 - **Tutorial**: [Create an ABAP Project in ABAP Development Tools (ADT)](abap-create-project)

## You will learn  
- How to create an Data Dictionary structure

---

### Create a global Data Dictionary structure


Now, you will create a global Data Dictionary ("DDIC") structure: In the toolbar, select **New**, then choose **Other ABAP Repository Object**.

![Image depicting step1a-create-new](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/sap-tutorials/abap-core-development/main/tutorials/abap-dev-adt-create-new-structure/step1a-create-new.png)


### Filter the list of object types


In the wizard that appears, filter the list of ABAP repository object types by entering `**struct**`.

![Image depicting step2-filter-type](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/sap-tutorials/abap-core-development/main/tutorials/abap-dev-adt-create-new-structure/step2-filter-type.png)


### Enter name and description


Then enter the following and choose **Finish**.
- Name = **`ZSO_INVOICE_ITEM`**
- Description = for example, **Invoice item structure**

![Image depicting step10c-define-ddic-structure-finish](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/sap-tutorials/abap-core-development/main/tutorials/abap-dev-adt-create-new-structure/step10c-define-ddic-structure-finish.png)

A new text editor is opened showing the content of the newly created Data Dictionary structure.


### Remove the generated component


Remove the generated example component `component_to_be_changed` from the structure:

![Image depicting step12-remove-component](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/sap-tutorials/abap-core-development/main/tutorials/abap-dev-adt-create-new-structure/step12-remove-component.png)


### Define fields for the structure


In the item structure, define the fields `company_name`, `amount`, `currency_code`, and `payment_status`, and assign them to the relevant data elements as follows:
```ABAP
  company_name   : snwd_company_name;
  amount         : snwd_ttl_gross_amount;
  currency_code  : snwd_curr_code;
  payment_status : snwd_soi_payment_status_code;

```

![Image depicting step5-define-fields](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/sap-tutorials/abap-core-development/main/tutorials/abap-dev-adt-create-new-structure/step5-define-fields.png)

The editor shows a syntax error because the amount has not yet been bound to the currency code.


### Bind amount to currency code annotation


To bind the amount to the currency code:

1. Add a new line in front of the field **`amount`**, add **`@`** and open code completion, by entering  **Ctrl+Space**. A list of all possible annotations is shown.

2. Select the annotation **`@Semantics.amount.currencyCode`**.

    ![Image depicting step12a-select-annotation](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/sap-tutorials/abap-core-development/main/tutorials/abap-dev-adt-create-new-structure/step12a-select-annotation.png)

3. Trigger the code completion again: enter **`: '`** after `@Semantics.amount.currencyCode`, then choose **Ctrl+Space**, then choose the annotation **`zso_invoice_item.currency_code`**:

    ![Image depicting step12b-choose-annotation-currency-code](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/sap-tutorials/abap-core-development/main/tutorials/abap-dev-adt-create-new-structure/step12b-choose-annotation-currency-code.png)

4. Finally choose **Save (Ctrl+S)**

You should no longer get a syntax error.


### Check and activate the structure


Back in the structure `ZSO_INVOICE_ITEM`, choose **Check ABAP Development Object (Ctrl+F2)**. Then choose **Activate (Ctrl+F3)**.

The Data Dictionary structure `ZSO_INVOICE_ITEM` is now activated.

Your code should look like this:

```ABAP
@EndUserText.label : 'Invoice Item Structure'
@AbapCatalog.enhancementCategory : #NOT_EXTENSIBLE
define type zso_invoice_item {
  company_name   : snwd_company_name;
  @Semantics.amount.currencyCode : 'zso_invoice_item.currency_code'
  amount         : snwd_ttl_gross_amount;
  currency_code  : snwd_curr_code;
  payment_status : snwd_soi_payment_status_code;

}

```


### Test yourself




### More information
[From Open SQL Joins to CDS Associations](https://blogs.sap.com/2016/08/12/from-open-sql-joins-to-cds-associations/)

---