Macros, Function modules and subroutines

Question

Hi Experts,
In performance wise which one is best macro or subroutine or Function module?
Thanks.

Answer 1

Hi Nandini,
Each and every one has its importance in certain situations..
Macros
If you want to reuse the same set of statements more than once in a program, you can include them in a macro. For example, this can be useful for long calculations or complex WRITE statements. You can only use a macro within the program in which it is defined, and it can only be called in lines of the program following its definition.
Subroutines can call other subroutines (nested calls) and may also call themselves (recursive calls). Once a subroutine has finished running, the calling program carries on processing after the PERFORM statement. You can use the USING and CHANGING additions to supply values to the parameter interface of the subroutine.
Function modules allow you to encapsulate and reuse global functions in the SAP System. They are managed in a central function library. The SAP System contains several predefined functions modules that can be called from any ABAP program. Function modules also play an important role during updating  and in interaction between different SAP systems, or between SAP systems and remote systems through remote communications.
Unlike subroutines, you do not define function modules in the source code of your program. Instead, you use the Function Builder. The actual ABAP interface definition remains hidden from the programmer. You can define the input parameters of a function module as optional. You can also assign default values to them. Function modules also support exception handling. This allows you to catch certain errors while the function module is running. You can test function modules without having to include them in a program using the Function Builder.
Best regards,
raam