In ABAP, what is the purpose of the AUTHORITY-CHECK statement?

The purpose of the AUTHORITY-CHECK statement in ABAP is to verify user authorization for specific actions. This statement is essential for ensuring that users can only perform actions to which they have been granted access rights. It checks the current user's authorizations against predefined objects and fields, which helps maintain security and compliance within the application.

When the AUTHORITY-CHECK statement is executed, it evaluates the user's privileges based on the authorization objects defined in the system. If the user lacks the necessary authority, the program can take appropriate actions, such as terminating the process or informing the user that they do not have permission to proceed with the requested action. This safeguards against unauthorized access and ensures that sensitive operations are protected.

Given its critical role in access control, the AUTHORITY-CHECK statement is a foundational aspect of programming within SAP, allowing developers to manage security effectively. Elements such as logging user activities or assessing runtime efficiency are separate considerations and handled by other mechanisms or statements in ABAP.