What is SAP ABAP: A Brief Overview
Last Updated :
19 Sep, 2024
SAP ABAP (Advanced Business Application Programming) is a high-level programming language created by the German software company SAP SE. ABAP is primarily used for developing and customizing applications within the SAP ecosystem, which includes enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems and other business software solutions. C++ is used to implement the ABAP kernel. ABAP supports both procedural and object-oriented programming paradigms, making it a versatile language for various types of application development.
In this article, we are going to learn SAP ABAP in detail.
A Brief History of ABAP
In the 1980s, ABAP was first developed as a procedural language for reporting purposes into the SAP R/2 system. It developed from a way of implementing object-oriented programming to a basic but very effective means of enterprise-level software development in the SAP R/3 environment.
New vs. Old ABAP
New ABAP is essentially object-oriented and consequently uses modern programming tools, among which is the integration of it with SAP HANA, as well as offering enhanced performance and scalability. Old ABAP which is still relevant today, will mainly be procedural and it might neglect the up-sell capability brought by the recent SAP systems.
When to Use ABAP
ABAP is excellent for the development of programs that need close integration into the SAP System, to transform the SAP standard functionality, and process large amounts of business data. It is mainly meant for use in companies that are already operating in the SAP ERP environment.
The ABAP Workbench
The ABAP Workbench is the SAP development environment for creating, managing, and running ABAP programs. It contains editors used for writing the programs and a compiler and a debugger for testing programs run.
- ABAP Editor: ABAP Editor is a key component of the ABAP Workbench and provides a full toolset for writing and adjusting ABAP programs. It includes code completion and syntax highlighting that will make the writing of code pleasant and effective.
- ABAP Dictionary: The ABAP Dictionary is a central storage location for controlling the meta-data of all objects used in ABAP programs. It can ensure data consistency and integrity across various applications and modules.
- ABAP Painter: ABAP Painter is a graphic tool to design and change the screen layout for ABAP programs. A developer can use it to design a user-friendly application interface with a minimum amount of coding.
- Function Builder: The Function Builder provides the platform for developers to make and maintain function modules under the ABAP program. These reusable modules are then used as subroutines in these programs, thus the development of modular and easy-to-maintain codes is facilitated.
- Class Builder: The Class Builder is a tool that is used for class and interface definition and management in ABAP. With the help of Object Oriented Programming capabilities, it is possible to create complex, scalable, and maintainable applications.
- Web Application Builder: The Web Application Builder is a tool to develop web-based applications using web technologies like Web Dynpro ABAP and SAPUI5 in ABAP. It offers tools for building UI and integrating web services.
Purpose of SAP ABAP
- ABAP is designed to work with SAP's software suite, allowing developers to create custom reports, enhancements, and applications that integrate with SAP systems.
- It is used for developing both transactional and analytical applications, enabling businesses to manage their processes, data, and operations effectively.
Features of SAP ABAP
- ABAP is a procedural and object-oriented programming language. It supports structured programming principles and object-oriented programming concepts.
- ABAP provides powerful data manipulation capabilities, allowing you to work with database tables, internal tables, and data structures.
- It offers extensive support for handling and processing large volumes of data and performing complex calculations.
- ABAP provides a rich set of integrated development tools and a comprehensive debugging environment for developers.
Development Environment of SAP ABAP
- ABAP developers use the SAP NetWeaver Application Server (AS ABAP) as the runtime environment and the SAP NetWeaver Development Workbench as the integrated development environment (IDE).
- SAP provides a wide range of tools and technologies to support ABAP development, including the ABAP Development Tools (ABAP in Eclipse) and the SAP Web IDE for SAP HANA, among others.
Application Types of SAP ABAP
- ABAP is used to create various types of applications, such as custom reports, forms, workflow processes, enhancements to existing SAP functionality, and more.
- Developers can also create web-based applications using technologies like Web Dynpro ABAP and SAPUI5.
Integration of SAP ABAP
ABAP applications seamlessly integrate with SAP systems and share data with other SAP modules. It can also connect to external systems using various communication methods, including web services, RFC (Remote Function Call), and more.
Security in SAP ABAP
SAP ABAP programs are designed with robust security features, including role-based authorization and access controls, ensuring the protection of sensitive business data.
ABAP is optimized for high performance in SAP systems through efficient coding practices, optimized database access, and built-in tools for performance monitoring and analysis.
Versioning and Maintenance in SAP ABAP
ABAP programs are typically stored in the SAP system's repository and can be versioned and transported between different SAP environments, such as development, testing, and production.
Extensibility in SAP ABAP
ABAP supports extensibility through enhancements and modifications, allowing developers to customize standard SAP applications to meet specific business requirements without modifying the original source code.
3 Tier Server Architecture (R/3 Architecture) of SAP ABAP:
It is known as R/3 Architecture, based on a client-server model. The majority of SAP ABAP's components can be split down into three layers:
SAP ABAP Architecture- Presentation Layer: The presentation layer offers two mechanisms: Input, which lets users communicate with the system, and output, which lets the system show the results of human engagement. A graphical user interface is the SAP GUI. The SAP GUI is installed on individual machines that act as the presentation layer.
- Application Layer: It communicates by taking inputs from the Presentation layer manipulates the data according to business needs and takes data from the database layer then sends it back to Presentation Layer. It is the environment where all Business logic is written in the ABAP code environment.
- Database Layer: The data are stored in the database layer. Every relational database is supported by SAP. No database is provided by SAP. But it works with all RDBMS. One system or computer must have the database layer installed. Oracle and DB2 are the two main databases utilized in SAP deployments.
Components used for Communication in SAP ABAP:
- RFC (Remote Function Call ): - The preferred SAP interface for transferring data between SAP systems is RFC. A function in a distant system is called an RFC.There are now numerous distinct RFC variations available, each of which has unique characteristics and serves a particular function. It is communicable over synchronous or asynchronous channels.
- ICM(Internet Communication Manager) - Within a SAP Web Application Server, Internet communication is handled by the ICMan process. It explains how a TCP/IP request is forwarded to a J2EE engine or an ABAP context with a standard protocol on top (like HTTP/S).
- Programming Models : OOPS Concept - By Using Oops Concept via creating object can be acieveable by making local Class or GLobal , Interfaces also can be implemented. Procedural way - In this Modular Programming came in concept using Subroutines and Function Moduels.
- Special Characteristics: ABAP was created primarily for business applications that process large amounts of data. The ABAP Workbench development environment is used to create all ABAP applications as well as portions of the NetWeaver Application Server ABAP. The separate parts of application programs are kept in a specific area of the database known as the Repository, which serves as the primary repository for all development objects of the SAP System.
- For Dynamic storage on runtime, we have internal tables, structures, work areas, etc.
- The proper way of storing objects in a particular repository like Transport Request
- Can Generate PDF or XML documents via Forms, and scripts.
- Can access different integrated work environments through RFC.
- Multilingual Capability: The main advantage of ABAP, it can have an Output in Various languages, but for the desired Output those languages need to be available in the system. The Reort we can make in a Fixed language, for the Different Businees scenario we can translate all the text of the Program .
Conclusion
In conclusion, SAP ABAP represents a flexible programming language necessary for the development and customizing of applications within the SAP environment. ABAP allows for both procedural and object-oriented programming and enables the development of reliable, scalable, and secure applications that integrate with SAP systems. Its ability to perform advanced data manipulation, along with many other development tools, and the advantage of performance, makes it an excellent choice for organizations looking to manage their data effectively and optimize their associated processes. Whether organizations are building custom reports, developing web applications, or extending the functionalities of existing SAP implementations, ABAP offers the tooling and flexibility to enable organizations to address varied business needs.
Frequently Asked Questionson SAP ABAP - FAQs
What is the purpose of SAP ABAP?
SAP ABAP is meant for development as well as customization of applications which exist inside SAP environment.
What are some features of ABAP?
Some of its main features include support for procedural and object-oriented programming, data manipulation, and integrated tools.
How does ABAP integrate with other SAP modules?
RFC and web service are some of the methods that interlink ABAP with other SAP modules.
How does ABAP guarantee data security?
It utilizes role-based authorization and access control mechanisms to ensure safety measures for the data.