What is abap?
ABAP (Advanced Business Application Programming) is a high‑level programming language created by SAP. It is used to develop custom reports, interfaces, enhancements, and applications that run inside SAP’s business software suite.
Let's break it down
- Language type: Procedural with object‑oriented extensions.
- Execution environment: Runs on the SAP NetWeaver Application Server.
- Key building blocks: Reports, function modules, classes, BAPIs, and ALV grids.
- Data handling: Built‑in data dictionary, internal tables, and structures.
- Development tools: SAP GUI’s ABAP Workbench (SE80) and the modern Eclipse‑based ABAP Development Tools (ADT).
Why does it matter?
ABAP is the glue that lets companies tailor SAP to their unique processes. Without it, businesses would be stuck with only the standard SAP functions, limiting flexibility and preventing automation of specific tasks.
Where is it used?
- SAP ERP and SAP S/4HANA systems
- SAP Business Warehouse (BW) and SAP BusinessObjects
- Custom SAP Fiori apps (backend logic)
- Integration scenarios via IDocs, BAPIs, and RFC calls
- Cloud extensions on SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP)
Good things about it
- Deep integration with all SAP modules and data structures.
- Mature, well‑documented, and supported by a large community.
- Strong tools for debugging, testing, and performance analysis.
- Ability to create both simple reports and complex, transaction‑critical applications.
- Continuous evolution (e.g., ABAP for SAP HANA, ABAP RESTful Application Programming Model).
Not-so-good things
- Mostly limited to SAP environments; skills don’t transfer easily to other platforms.
- Proprietary language with a steep learning curve for newcomers.
- Older syntax can feel verbose compared to modern languages like JavaScript or Python.
- Dependency on SAP licensing and system upgrades for new language features.
- Performance tuning can be complex, especially with large internal tables or legacy code.