GCTS SAP

SAP gCTS: Modernizing ABAP Development and Transport

In today’s rapidly evolving software development landscape, embracing practices like DevOps and CI/CD (Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery) is becoming paramount for agility and efficiency. SAP gCTS (Git-enabled Change and Transport System) offers a bridge for traditional ABAP development to enter this modern world, enhancing its flexibility and streamlining transport processes.

What exactly is gCTS?

gCTS seamlessly integrates SAP’s classic ABAP development environment with the power of Git, a widely adopted distributed version control system. It allows you to:

• Store all versions of ABAP objects: Track every change to your development objects in Git repositories, fostering collaboration and providing comprehensive version history.
• Work in parallel: Create feature branches in Git to enable multiple developers to work on the same project or enhancements simultaneously.
• Adopt CI/CD principles: gCTS facilitates the automation of testing and deployment processes, leading to faster and more reliable ABAP software delivery.

Key Benefits of Using gCTS

1. Enhanced Collaboration: Developers can work concurrently on separate branches, making teamwork more efficient and less prone to conflicts.
2. Versioning and Change Tracking: Every modification is recorded in Git, providing a robust audit trail and the ability to revert to previous versions if necessary.
3. Simplified Rollbacks: If an issue arises, you can quickly roll back to an earlier, known-good state, minimizing downtime.
4. Improved Code Quality: gCTS encourages code reviews and facilitates automated testing as part of a CI/CD pipeline, leading to higher-quality ABAP code.
5. DevOps Integration: gCTS paves the way for streamlined ABAP development within a larger DevOps ecosystem.

Getting Started with gCTS

While gCTS adoption might involve some initial setup, the long-term benefits outweigh the costs:

1. Prerequisites: Ensure you have an SAP S/4HANA 1909 or later system along with a compatible Java Runtime Environment.
2. Git Repository: Set up a Git repository (potentially on platforms like GitHub, GitLab, etc.).
3. gCTS Configuration: Configure gCTS in your ABAP system, connecting it to your Git repository and defining which ABAP packages will be managed by gCTS.
4. Workflow Adaptation: Adjust your development workflow to incorporate Git practices (creating branches, pushing changes, merging code).

Important Considerations Before Implementing

• Training: Provide your ABAP developers with adequate training on Git concepts and how they integrate into gCTS workflows.
• Change Management: gCTS modifies the traditional way of transporting ABAP changes. Plan for a smooth transition to avoid disruptions.
• CI/CD: While not strictly a requirement, gCTS really shines when coupled with a CI/CD pipeline for automated testing and deployment.

Conclusion

SAP gCTS is a significant step towards modernizing ABAP development, offering flexibility, collaboration, and the potential to streamline change and transport processes within your SAP landscape. If you are serious about improving your ABAP development practices, incorporating gCTS into your toolkit is well worth the investment.