Prefer lines( ) over DESCRIBE TABLE

WarningClean ABAP & Modern SyntaxQuickFix Ready#EC LINESRemote Enabled

Overview

Prefer lines( ) over DESCRIBE TABLE ... LINES.

ATC Finding Message: Use lines( ) function instead of DESCRIBE TABLE ... LINES

Rationale

DESCRIBE TABLE LINES requires an extra variable and separates the question about table size from the code that uses the answer. The lines( ) built-in returns the row count as a value and can be embedded directly in conditions and expressions. This reduces temporary variables and makes the intent obvious at the call site.

Non-Compliant

DESCRIBE TABLE lt_items LINES lv_count.
IF lv_count = 0.
  RETURN.
ENDIF.

Compliant

IF lines( lt_items ) = 0.
  RETURN.
ENDIF.

Automated QuickFix

This rule provides an automated QuickFix directly in Eclipse ABAP Development Tools (ADT):

1. Position the cursor on the flagged statement.
2. Press Ctrl + 1 (Quick Assist).
3. Select the automated refactoring to apply the clean syntax immediately.

Suppression

To suppress findings for this rule, append the pseudo-comment to the statement:

" Standard pseudo-comment:
... "#EC LINES

" SAP CI_ prefix format:
... "#EC CI_LINES

Technical Details

• Native ATC Class: ZCL_SKYLINT_PREF_LINES
• Implementation File: zcl_skylint_pref_lines.clas.abap