ABAP programs, as well as pretty much every other program, are more or less based on certain assumptions. For example, the data provided to a method or a function is consistent, that the program behaves as designed, or that the outcome of data processing follows some kind of scheme.
In most cases, these assumptions are so obvious that the developer is not even aware of them when writing a piece of code. Sometimes, however, it may be more important to check whether a certain condition is fulfilled before proceeding further. Using the standard IF-ELSE statement for this purpose is sufficient and will do exactly what is needed. However, there is another shorter and more controlled way of achieving this—with assertions.
The assertion in ABAP code is a simple statement saying assert that something fulfills a condition. There is no need to use any sophisticated syntax or build nested IF structures for several conditions. What's more, the assertion mechanism is remotely controlled—particular...