SAP - Type of DDIC Table

Types Of DDIC Table - There are three types of SAP DDIC table that you can defin
e 1. Transparent Table - A transparent table in the dictionary has a one-to-one re
lationship with a table in the database. Its structure in R/3 Data Dictionary co
rresponds to a single database table. For each transparent table definition in t
he dictionary, there is one associated table in the database. The database table
has the same name, the same number of fields, and the fields have the same name
s as the R/3 table definition. They are used to hold application data. Applicati
on data is the master data or transaction data used by an application.
2. Cluster Table - A cluster table is a SAP Proprietry which has a many-to-one r
elationship with a table in the database. Many cluster tables are stored in a si
ngle table in the database called a table cluster. It holds many cluster tables.
In cluster table, tables have a part of their primary keys in common.
A cluster is adavantages in the case where data is accessed from multiple tables
simultaneously and those tables have at least one of their primary key fields i
n common. Cluster tables reduce the number of database reads and therby improve
performance.
3. Pooled Table - A pool table is also a SAP Proprietry which has a many-to-one
relationship with a table in the database. For one table in the database, there
are many tables in the Data Dictionary. The table in the database has a differen
t name than the tables in the DDIC, it has a different number of fields, and the
fields have different names as well.
Restrictions on Pooled and Cluster Tables: 1. Pooled and cluster tables are generally used only by SAP and not used b
y developers,
due to proprietry format of these tables within the databse and techni
cal
constratints to use within ABAP/4 programs.
2. Secondary Indexes cannot be created on Pooled and Cluster Tables.
3. Can't be use ABAP/4 SQL construct 'Select Distinct' or 'Group By'.
4. Native SQL cannot be used on Pooled and Cluster Tables.
5. Field names cannot be specify after the 'Order By' clause. 'Order By' w
ith primary key is only allowed.
Note: You can't use a pooled table with a join. In case of Table Pool and Table
Cluster, within a technical setting you can only change SIZE.
Important Note on Pooled Table and Cluster Table
1. For creating pooled table or cluster table you will have to assign the T
able pool
or Table cluster in the 'Delivery and Maintainence' tab.
2. You can set technical setting as well like in transparent table.
3. In pooled table, you cannot use indexes and append structure features.
4. In cluster table, you cannot use indexes features but can use append str
ucture.
5. For cluster table you will have to define a key which will match to tabl
e cluster
to which it has been assigned.
6. For both pooled table and cluster table it is recommended to use MANDT c
lient
field, but this is not mandatory.
7. Both pooled table or cluster table exist physically in database.
8. To access pooled table or cluster table you can write a direct OPEN SQL

query
(Not NATIVE) same as you write for transparent table.
The Differences Between Pooled Table and Cluster Table
1. In pooled table both INDEX and APPEND STRUCTURE is disabled while in
cluster only INDEX is disabled.
2. Cluster table must have one key common but this is not the case for pool
ed table.