ABAP Netweaver 7.5

ABAP NetWeaver 7.5: A Look at SAP’s Foundation for Modern Applications

ABAP (Advanced Business Application Programming) is SAP’s cornerstone programming language, and NetWeaver is the technological platform upon which ABAP applications run. ABAP NetWeaver 7.5, released in 2016, represents a significant milestone in this technology’s evolution, introducing features designed to support modern business applications.

Why ABAP NetWeaver 7.5 Still Matters

While it might not be the latest version of NetWeaver, 7.5 remains a vital foundation for a huge number of SAP systems. Here’s why it’s still important to understand:

• Core of SAP Systems: ABAP NetWeaver 7.5 powers the backends of numerous SAP Business Suite applications and the on-premise version of SAP S/4HANA.
• Legacy Support: Many enterprises still rely on systems built on this version. ABAP developers need to understand 7.5’s features and limitations for maintenance and updates.
• Stepping Stone: The concepts and techniques of 7.5 carry over into later NetWeaver versions, providing a valuable entry point for learning modern ABAP.

Key Features and Enhancements

Let’s explore some of the critical improvements brought in by ABAP NetWeaver 7.5:

1. Simplified Syntax and New Language Constructs:  ABAP keeps evolving. 7.5 brought simplified syntax, inline declarations, table expressions, and other constructs that make ABAP code more readable and powerful.
2. Core Data Services (CDS): CDS is a powerful data modeling and definition tool that streamlines the use of database views. It is an important part of modernizing how ABAP interacts with databases.
3. SAP HANA Integration: ABAP NetWeaver 7.5 was designed with SAP HANA, the in-memory database platform, in mind. Enhancements focus on performance optimization for working with HANA databases.
4. SAP Fiori and UI Improvements:  7.5 supports SAP Fiori, allowing the creation of modern, user-friendly interfaces for SAP applications. This involved the inclusion of technologies like SAPUI5.
5. Openness and Standards: Open SQL, connectivity enhancements, and support for standards like RESTful services demonstrate ABAP’s shift towards integration with non-SAP systems.

Beyond the Technical: The Importance of ABAP NetWeaver 7.5

ABAP NetWeaver 7.5 acts as a bridge between the classic world of SAP development and modern application design. Understanding the concepts introduced in 7.5 has several significant implications:

• Maintenance and Modernization: It’s vital for maintaining and updating existing SAP systems while keeping a path open to future technologies.
• Skill Development: ABAP developers working on 7.5 systems can expand their knowledge into modern ABAP, becoming more versatile.
• Best Practices: 7.5 encouraged practices that streamline development, improve efficiency, and contribute to better quality code.

Learning Resources

If you want to explore ABAP NetWeaver 7.5, here are some great resources:

• SAP Help Portal: https://help.sap.com/docs/SAP_NETWEAVER_750
• SAP Community Blogs and Tutorials: The SAP Community has a wealth of information on ABAP with many resources focusing on 7.5.
• SAP Certification (C_TAW12_750): Consider pursuing the ABAP NetWeaver 7.5 development certification to validate your skills.