What is the purpose of the CLEAR statement in ABAP?

The CLEAR statement in ABAP is used to reset a variable's value. When you use it, the variable is set to its initial value according to its data type. For example, if it's a numeric type, the value will become zero, and for character types, it will become an empty string. This functionality is particularly useful to ensure that a variable does not hold any unintended values from previous operations, thus helping to maintain the integrity of calculations or data processing.

This statement is essential in managing variables within the program's execution flow, especially in loops or conditional statements where a variable might be reused. It allows developers to clear values that are no longer needed and prepare the variable for a new assignment without the risk of carrying over old data that could lead to errors or unexpected behavior in the program.