In what order should the visibility sections of a class be defined?

The correct answer emphasizes the conventional practice followed in ABAP programming for structuring the visibility sections of a class. In ABAP, the recommended order of visibility sections is to first define the PUBLIC SECTION, followed by the PROTECTED SECTION, and finally the PRIVATE SECTION.

This order helps to create a clear and logical structure in the code. When the PUBLIC SECTION is placed first, it allows any external program or class to access the methods and variables defined there without restrictions. Following that, the PROTECTED SECTION allows access to its members only by the class itself and its subclasses, thus providing a level of encapsulation. Lastly, the PRIVATE SECTION restricts access strictly to the class itself, ensuring that no external entity or subclass can access those members.

By adhering to this systematic structure, you enhance the readability and maintainability of the code, making it easier for developers to understand the accessibility levels of different members at a glance. While technically it is possible to define these sections in any order, following this conventional order is a best practice that contributes to better code organization.