How to read the source code without restrictions?

Question

There is a task reading the source codes of ABAP reports. I usually use the function: RFC_READ_DEVELOPMENT_OBJECT or RFC_READ_REPORT. But these functions have some limits: in the line should not exceed 72 characters (if more then error). 72 characters because table QTAB = 72 characters on line

Answer 1

As vwegert suggests in his comment, you could write your own remote-enabled function module. It is very easy. Refer to the following blog post for a suggestion: http://ceronio.net/2009/06/improved-abap-source-code-search/

The function makes use of the READ REPORT statement to read source code of a program.

DATA: itab TYPE TABLE OF string,
      prog TYPE syrepid.

prog = 'SAPMSSY0'.

READ REPORT prog INTO itab.

IF sy-subrc = 0.
  " source code unit is read successfully into "itab"
ENDIF.

The only drawback is if you don't have a developer key.