Difference between SE16 and SE16N

SE16:

** SE16 is a data browse and it is used to view the contents of the table and we cannot change or append new fields to the existing structure of the table as we cannot view the structure level display using the SE16 .

SE16N:

** The transaction code SE16N (general table display) is an improved version of the old data browser (SE16). It has been around for some time, but is not widely known amongst consultants and end users of SAP. It looks a bit different to the old “data browser” functionality (SE16).

** Once you have entered your table name, type "&SAP_EDIT" without the quotation marks into the transaction code. This enables editing functionality on SE16N and allows you to make table changes. This allows you to access both configuration and data tables which may be otherwise locked in a production environment.

** Whilst this may appear to be a short cut and allow you to access a back door which is normally shut, this hidden feature should be used with caution in any SAP client - especially a live or production system.

New Features of SE16N:

** The new transaction has a number of distinct advantages over SE16.

** You no longer have a maximum of 40 fields to select in the output.

** There are fewer steps involved in executing a numberof functions, whether it be outputting the results, maintaining the values in a table etc.

** Exporting the data into Excel is far easier and quicker

** ALV functionality is available as standard

** The user is not restricted by having a maximum width of 1023 saved as a default in the user settings.

Limitations of SE16N:

              

**You can only output one table at a time. If you wish to output more than one table you can use the available reporting tools or the QuickViewer (transaction code SQVI) functionality within SAP.