S4 HANA ABAP

ABAP in the World of SAP S/4HANA: What’s Changed and How to Adapt

SAP S/4HANA, the next-generation business suite, has reshaped the ERP landscape. While its streamlined data model and focus on the SAP HANA database bring immense value, it also necessitates changes for ABAP developers. Let’s delve into what ABAP development looks like in S/4HANA and strategies to future-proof your code.

Key Considerations in the S/4HANA Realm

1. HANA-Centricity: The move to the SAP HANA in-memory database mandates performance-conscious coding. ABAP developers must optimize code for HANA, leveraging techniques like:

• • Code Pushdown: Perform data-intensive operations within the database using SQLScript and database procedures.
  • Parallel Processing: Explore Open SQL additions and ABAP Managed Database Procedures (AMDP) to utilize HANA’s multi-core processing power.

1. Core Data Services (CDS): CDS views have emerged as a powerful semantic layer. ABAP developers should embrace CDS in their development approach:

• • Data Modeling: Define business entities using CDS.
  • Consumption: Leverage CDS in Open SQL queries and as the basis for building Fiori UI elements.

1. Simplifications and Compatibility: S/4HANA introduces simplifications that may lead to obsolete custom code.

• • Compatibility Checks: Utilize the Simplification Database and tools like the ABAP Test Cockpit (ATC) to identify and adapt custom code affected by changes.

1. Fiori UX: SAP Fiori is the redesigned user interface paradigm. ABAP development needs to align with Fiori principles:

• • OData Services: Build OData services to provide data to Fiori apps.
  • SAPUI5: Get acquainted with the SAPUI5 framework for Fiori UI development.

Essential Adaptation Strategies

• Skill Enhancement: Upskill in HANA-optimized techniques, CDS views, AMDPs, and OData service creation. Invest time in learning SAPUI5 and Fiori design principles.
• Code Review and Refactoring: Conduct meticulous code reviews to identify potential performance bottlenecks, obsolete code segments, and opportunities for CDS adoption.
• Embrace New Tools: Actively utilize the ABAP Development Tools (ADT) in Eclipse, the ABAP RESTful Application Programming Model (RAP), and tools like the Code Inspector to streamline development and modernization.

The Path Forward

The transition to S/4HANA offers an excellent opportunity for ABAP developers to reimagine their skillsets. By mastering HANA optimization, CDS, and the Fiori-centric approach, they become even more integral in shaping the modern SAP landscape. Remember, existing ABAP skills remain fundamental, but the key lies in understanding and using new paradigms effectively.

Resources for Your Learning Journey

• SAP Help Portal: [invalid URL removed]
• SAP Open Courses: https://open.sap.com (Search for S/4HANA ABAP related courses)
• SAP Community Blogs and Forums: https://community.sap.com/