What is alignment gap in SAP BC-ABA - ABAP Runtime Environment?

SAP Term: alignment gap

• Component: BC-ABA

• Component Name: ABAP Runtime Environment

• Description: Bytes that are inserted below a structure in front of components with alignment requirements or before the end of a structure to achieve the required alignment. Alignment gaps contribute to the length of a structure. The binary content of alignment gaps is undefined and must not be evaluated.

Smart SAP Assistant

• Key Concepts: 
  Alignment gap is a term used in the BC-ABA ABAP Runtime Environment. It refers to the difference between the length of a data object and the length of the memory area allocated for it. This gap can occur when a data object is declared with a length that is not an exact multiple of the system's memory alignment boundary. 
  
  How to use it: 
  Alignment gaps can be avoided by declaring data objects with lengths that are exact multiples of the system's memory alignment boundary. This will ensure that no gaps are created and that all data objects are stored in contiguous memory locations. 
  
  Tips & Tricks: 
  When declaring data objects, it is important to consider the system's memory alignment boundary. This will help to ensure that no alignment gaps are created and that all data objects are stored in contiguous memory locations. 
  
  Related Information: 
  For more information on alignment gaps and how to avoid them, please refer to SAP documentation on BC-ABA ABAP Runtime Environment.