What is an internal table in ABAP?

An internal table is ABAP's in-memory equivalent of an array or list of structured rows — used to temporarily hold and process a set of data (often fetched from a database table) entirely within a running program, without needing to re-query the database for every operation on that data.

DATA: lt_customers TYPE TABLE OF kna1.

SELECT * FROM kna1 INTO TABLE lt_customers
  WHERE land1 = 'US'.

LOOP AT lt_customers INTO DATA(ls_customer).
  WRITE: / ls_customer-kunnr, ls_customer-name1.
ENDLOOP.

Internal tables exist only for the duration of the program's execution (or until explicitly cleared); they're not persistent storage. They're the standard way ABAP programs work with sets of rows in memory, whether that data originated from a database query, was built up manually, or was passed in from another part of the program.

Invest now in Acorns!!! 🚀
Join Acorns and get your $5 bonus!

Acorns is a micro-investing app that automatically invests your "spare change" from daily purchases into diversified, expert-built portfolios of ETFs. It is designed for beginners, allowing you to start investing with as little as $5. The service automates saving and investing. Disclosure: I may receive a referral bonus.

Invest now!!! Get Free equity stock (US, UK only)!

Use Robinhood app to invest in stocks. It is safe and secure. Use the Referral link to claim your free stock when you sign up!.

The Robinhood app makes it easy to trade stocks, crypto and more.

Webull! Receive free stock by signing up using the link: Webull signup.