Preface – This post is part of the ABAP Beginner series.
ABAP STRING OPERATIONS
We can perform some basic operations on ABAP strings like concatenating them, splitting them, replacing them and searching some characters in a string. Let us see some of them:
CONCATENATE (Two Strings)
It is a keyword that combines two or more strings into a single string.
SPLIT (A String)
It is a keyword that splits a string into smaller strings based upon a condition.
SEARCH (For A String)
This keyword searches for character/string in other strings. If found, it sets SY-SUBRC = 0; else sets it 4.
REPLACE (A String by Another String)
This keyword replaces a substring with another substring in the main string. If replaced, it sets SY-SUBRC = 0; else sets it 4.
Preface – This post is part of the ABAP Beginner series.
Control Break Statements in ABAP Loop
If you want to break the normal flow of an ABAP loop, you need control break statements in the ABAP loop. ABAP provide three-loop control statements, i.e. CONTINUE, CHECK, EXIT.
CONTINUE
This statement will pass the current loop unconditionally. It needs IF statements to apply conditions. As soon as the compiler reads this statement, it skips the current loop and goes to the next iteration. This will be clearer with an example.
CHECK
This statement will pass the current loop conditionally. If the CHECK condition is true, then it executes the rest of the statements. Otherwise, it skips the current loop and goes to the next iteration. This will be clearer with an example.
EXIT
This statement will end all the iterations as soon as the compiler reads this statement. It also needs IF statements to apply conditions. After the EXIT statement, the program control goes to the statement just after the LOOP statements.
ABAP LOOP
ABAP provides keywords that can be used to run some codes again and again based on a condition called ABAP Loop. Let’s see them one by one.
Do-END DO Statements
These are called unconditional loops because we don’t provide any condition for the loop but provide a fixed number of times for the loop to run. If you want to execute certain codes a fixed number of times, this is the best loop to use.
WHILE-END WHILE Statements
These are called conditional loops because we provide a condition for the loop to run. Loop runs and executes the codes till the condition is true.
In the figure below, we can see the difference between Do and While loop statements.
FOR LOOP Statements
For statements are the most used statements in any language. ABAP also provides the same looping method. Syntax is: FOR i = … [THEN expression] UNTIL|WHILE condition
Preface – This post is part of the ABAP Beginner series.
ABAP LOOP
ABAP provides keywords that can be used to run some codes again and again on the basis of a condition called ABAP Loop. Let see them one by one.
Do-END DO Statements
These are called unconditional loops because we don’t provide any condition for the loop but provide a fixed number of times for the loop to run. If you want to execute certain codes a fixed number of times, then this is the best loop to use.
WHILE-END WHILE Statements
These are called conditional loops because we provide conditions for the loop to run. The loop runs and executes the codes till the condition is true.
In the below figure, we can see the difference between Do and While loop statements.
FOR LOOP Statements
For statements are the most used statements in any language. ABAP also provides the same Looping method. Syntax is: FOR i = … [THEN expression] UNTIL|WHILE condition
Nested means using one loop under another loop. It will be clearer with an example.
Loop Control Statements
If you want to break the normal flow of an ABAP loop, then you need loop control statements. ABAP provide three-loop control statements, i.e. CONTINUE, CHECK, EXIT.
CONTINUE
This statement will pass the current loop unconditionally. It needs IF statements to apply conditions. As soon as this statement is read by the compiler, it skips the current loop and goes to the next iteration. This will be clearer with an example.
CHECK
This statement will pass the current loop conditionally. If the CHECK condition is true, then it executes the rest of the statements; otherwise, it skips the current loop and goes to the next iteration. This will be clearer with an example.
EXIT
This statement will end all the iterations as soon as it is read by the compiler. It also needs IF statements to apply conditions. After the EXIT statement, the program control goes to the statement just after the LOOP statements.
Preface – This post is part of the ABAP Beginner series.
What is SAP?
SAP is software as well as a Company which provides ERP solution.The initialism SAP stands for Systems, Applications & Products in Data Processing.
It is pronounced as S-A-P. (In German language, sap means idiot. That’s why they forbid it to call sap and rather call it S.A.P)
The SAP software is built on ABAP Programming language which was developed by SAP itself.
The Headquarter of SAP is in Walldorf, Germany.
The current version of SAP software is called SAP-ERP 6.0 which is an upgraded version of SAP-R/3, here R stands for ‘Real Time Processing’ and 3 stands for ‘3 tier’ platform i.e.
Database
Application server
Client (GUI)
Basic Architecture of NetWeaver Stack
SAP-ECC i.e. ERP Central Component is the core component of the SAP’s Business Suite which consists of:
ERP
CRM
SCM
S/4 HANA
What are Modules in SAP?
Initially, SAP was single software for all operations but with time it evolved and started focusing upon different processes.
To lower the load on single software and to divide the work on the basis of field, it came in different modules. SAP has following major Modules:
MM: Material Management
PP:Production Planning
SD:Sales and Distribution
HR:Human Resources or HCM: Human Capital Management
QM:Quality Management
FICO:Financial Accounting and Controlling
What is SAP-NetWeaver?
SAP-NetWeaver is a technology by SAP which is developed primarily using ABAP. It is a solution stack of SAP’s technology products.
In simpler words, it is a breadboard on which other hardware’s (here SAP-Modules/ Non-SAP modules) can be attached.
SaaS stands for software-as-a-service.It is a way of delivering applications/Apps over the web/internet.
Customers can access SaaS Apps right from any Web browser via any of their devices (Mobile, PC, tablet). It means there is no requirement to buy, install, maintain, or update any Hardware or Software.
The SaaS provider will take care of every next required operations– and the customer will always have the latest version of the application.
Preface – This post is part of the ABAP Beginner series.
What is SaaS: SAP Software-as-a-Service
SaaS stands for software-as-a-service. It is a way of delivering applications/apps over the web/internet. Customers can access SaaS apps right from any web browser via any of their devices (mobile, PC, tablet), which means there is no requirement to buy, install, maintain, or update any hardware or software. The SaaS provider (here it is SAP) will take care of every next required operation– and the customer will always have the latest version of the application.
Following are the major SaaS products:
SAP recently came with a service called SaaS, i.e. Software AS A Service. It is nothing different, but the SAP S/4-Cloud platform for the entire ERP suite it has. Following are some of the SAP versions, both on-cloud as well as on-premise.
SAP On-Premise
SAP S/4-Cloud
SAP HCM
SAP SuccessFactors
SAP FSCM
SAP Ariba Network
SAP FI
SAP Concur
SAP CRM
SAP Hybris Cloud
What to choose between On-Premise and Cloud?
This is a very important question regarding service selection. SAP provides ECC & ERP services in two ways. Both of them have HANA Database. The selection is purely based on the requirement of the customer. In the given table, we will explain possible conditions where these two services are applicable:
Feature
SAP On-Premise
SAP On-Cloud
Infrastructure
It is installed within the premise. You have to pay for infrastructure installation.
It is a cloud-based service. You need to pay for the service as per your use.
Support
The support team of the enterprise can handle it.
Total support dependency is on SAP.
Upgrade
Every year new upgrades will be required.
The on-cloud service is upgraded by SAP itself.
Functional
Full ERP solution is available
Limited ERP solution is available
Investment
Hardware, Software and support team
Payment as per service and time
You can even choose a hybrid version where you can have functionality and the advantage of both on-premise and on-cloud. For more information click here.
Preface – This post is part of the ABAP Beginner series.
What is the Difference between SAP On-Premise and SAP on Cloud: On-Premise Vs Cloud?
To know the difference between SAP on-premise vs cloud, we need to understand both of them one by one. SAP on-premise is based on the physical position of the ERP system while SAP on-cloud is an SAP Software-As-A-Service.
When SAP started its ERP services, it has to go physically to the place/company where it wanted to install its software.
On-premise software is the one, which is installed and runs on the premise(the work area/building) of that company. All the ERP solutions provided by SAP, i.e. SAP CRM, SAP Suite, SAP HCM, etc., are on-premise solutions.
Advantages of SAP On-premise:
Preconfigured hardware
Preinstalled software
Solution validation by SAP and partner
Reduced risk
Increased flexibility and control
Disadvantages of SAP On-premise:
High initial investment
Hardware management required
Software update required
What is SAP On-Cloud?
SAP recently came with a service called SaaS, i.e. Software AS A Service. It is nothing different, but SAP S/4 cloud platform for the entire ERP suite it has. Following are some of the SAP versions both on-cloud as well as on-premise.
SAP On-Premise
SAP S/4 Cloud
SAP HCM
SAP SuccessFactors
SAP FSCM
SAP Ariba Network
SAP FI
SAP Concur
SAP CRM
SAP Hybris Cloud
Advantages of SAP On-Cloud:
Quick return on investment
Monthly pricing
No hardware management
Automatic software updates
Good data security
Scalability
Better utilization of resources
Disadvantages of SAP On-Cloud:
Data compliance issue for confidential data
Existing infrastructure cannot be utilized
Customization and integration restriction
What to choose between SAP On-Premise and SAP Cloud: On-Premise vs Cloud?
This is a very important question regarding service selection. SAP provides ECC & ERP services in two ways. Both of them have HANA Database. The selection is purely based on the requirement of the customer. In the given table, we will explain possible conditions where these two services (on-premise vs cloud) are applicable:
Feature
SAP On-Premise
SAP On-Cloud
Infrastructure
It is installed within the premise. You have to pay for infrastructure installation.
It is a cloud-based service. You need to pay for the service as per your use.
Support
The support team of the enterprise can handle it.
Total support dependency is on SAP.
Upgrade
Every year new upgrades will be required.
The cloud is upgraded by SAP itself.
Functional
Full ERP solution is available
Limited ERP solution is available
Investment
Hardware, Software and support team
Payment as per service and time
You can even choose a hybrid version where you can have functionality and the advantage of both on-premise and on-cloud. For more information, click here.
Preface – This post is part of the ABAP Beginner series.
What is SAP Cloud Platform or SAP On-Cloud?
SAP recently came with a service called SaaS, i.e. Software AS A Service. It is nothing different, but SAP Cloud Platform (SAP S/4-Cloud platform) for the entire ERP suite. Following are some of the SAP versions both on the cloud as well as on-premise.
SAP On-Premise
SAP S/4-Cloud
SAP HCM
SAP SuccessFactors
SAP FSCM
SAP Ariba Network
SAP FI
SAP Concur
SAP CRM
SAP Hybris Cloud
Advantages of SAP Cloud Platform:
Quick Return on Investment
Monthly Pricing
No Hardware Management
Automatic Software Updates
Good Data Security
Scalability
Better Utilization of Resources
Disadvantages of SAP Cloud Platform:
Data Compliance Issue for Confidential Data
Existing Infrastructure cannot be utilized
Customization and Integration Restriction
What is the Difference between SAP on Premise and SAP Cloud Platform?
When SAP started its ERP services, it has to go physically to the place/company, i.e. on-premise/location where it wanted to install its software.
On-premise software is the one, which is installed and runs on the premise(the work area/building) of that company. All the ERP solutions provided by SAP i.e. SAP CRM, SAP Suite, SAP HCM, etc., are on-premise solutions.
Advantages of SAP On-premise:
Pre-configured hardware
Preinstalled software
Solution validation by SAP and partner
Reduced Risk
Increased flexibility and control
Disadvantages of SAP On-premise:
High Initial Investment
Hardware Management Required
Software Update Required
What to choose between On-Premise and SAP Cloud Platform?
This is a very important question regarding service selection. SAP provides ECC & ERP services in two ways. Both of them have HANA Database. The selection is purely based on the requirement of the customer. In the given table, we will explain possible conditions where these two services are applicable:
Feature
SAP On-Premise
SAP Cloud Platform
Infrastructure
It is installed within the premise. You have to pay for infrastructure installation.
It is a cloud-based service. You need to pay for the service as per your use.
Support
The support team of the enterprise can handle it.
Total support dependency is on SAP.
Upgrade
Every year new upgrades will be required.
The on-cloud service is upgraded by SAP itself.
Functional
Full ERP solution is available
Limited ERP solution is available
Investment
Hardware, Software and support team
Payment as per service and time
You can even choose a hybrid version with functionality and the advantage of both on-premise and on-cloud. For more information, click here.
Preface – This post is part of the ABAP Beginner series.
What is SAP On Premise?
When SAP started its ERP services, it has to go physically to the place/company i.e. on premise/location where it wanted to install its software.
This software is the one, which is installed and runs on the premise(the work area/building) of that company. All the ERP solutions provided by SAP, i.e. SAP CRM, SAP Suite, SAP HCM, etc., are on premise solutions.
Advantages of SAP On Premise:
Pre-configured hardware
Preinstalled software
Solution validation by SAP and partner
Reduced Risk
Increased flexibility and control
Disadvantages of SAP On Premise:
High Initial Investment
Hardware Management Required
Software Update Required
What is the Difference between SAP on Premise and SAP on Cloud?
SAP recently came with a service called SaaS, i.e. Software AS A Service. It is nothing different, but SAP S/4 Cloud platform for the entire ERP suite it has. Following are some of the SAP versions both on the cloud as well as on-premise.
SAP On-Premise
SAP S/4 Cloud
SAP HCM
SAP SuccessFactors
SAP FSCM
SAP Ariba Network
SAP FI
SAP Concur
SAP CRM
SAP Hybris Cloud
Advantages of SAP on Cloud:
Quick Return on Investment
Monthly Pricing
No Hardware Management
Automatic Software Updates
Good Data Security
Scalability
Better Utilization of Resources
Disadvantages of SAP On Cloud:
Data Compliance Issue for Confidential Data
Existing Infrastructure cannot be utilized
Customization and Integration Restriction
What to choose between On Premise and Cloud?
This is a very important question regarding service selection. SAP provides ECC & ERP services in two ways. Both of them have HANA Database. The selection is purely based on the requirement of the customer. In the given table, we will explain possible conditions where these two services are applicable:
Feature
SAP On Premise
SAP On Cloud
Infrastructure
It is installed within the premise. You have to pay for infrastructure installation.
It is a cloud based service. You need to pay for the service as per your use.
Support
The support team of the enterprise can handle it.
Total support dependency is on SAP.
Upgrade
Every year new upgrades will be required.
The cloud is upgraded by SAP itself.
Functional
Full ERP solution is available
Limited ERP solution is available
Investment
Hardware, Software and support team
Payment as per service and time
You can even choose a hybrid version where you can have functionality and the advantage of both on-premise and on-cloud. For more information, click here.
Preface – This post is part of the ABAP Beginner series.
What is SAP NetWeaver?
SAP NetWeaver is a technology by SAP which is developed primarily using ABAP. It is a solution stack of SAP’s technology products. In simpler words, it is a breadboard on which other hardware’s (here SAP Modules/ Non SAP modules) can be attached.
Basic Architecture of SAP NetWeaver Stack
Following are the components of SAP NetWeaver (NW):
The SAP NetWeaver Application Server is just like the nervous system of our body. It provides the runtime environment to the SAP applications. All of the SAP Business Suite e.g. ERP, CRM runs on SAP NetWeaver Application Server. Following layers will make it clearer:
SAP NetWeaver Gateway helps Application tier to communicate with Presentation Layer. In three-tier architecture, the Presentation layer is GUI (UI5 nowadays) and Database Layer is HANA Database (nowadays).
SAP Gateways is the middle or Application tier. This Application layer is essential for communication between the UI and the backend.
The main motto to use multi-tier architecture was to implement a data processing system that will add a valuable level of modularity and flexibility to the system by developing and maintaining each tier individually. OData is used to exchange data.
What is an OData?
OData which stands for Open Data Protocol is an open source to exchange data over the Internet. It was built by Microsoft.
OData protocol is HTTP based, due to which any programming language with HTTP stack can consume OData services. The output is in the form of JSON or ATOM (i.e. XML).
Why SAP NetWeaver?
Increases Efficiency of business processes by providing role based access
Provides dynamic and cost effective communication between different teams
Multichannel Enterprise access via different devices
Provides development environment using both ABAP and non ABAP languages and connects them all using REST & SOAP APIs.
In-memory database are also called Main Memory Database System and it relies on Main Memory (RAM) for Computer Data Storage.
A Relational Database is a DBMS which utilizes the Primary Key & Foreign Key relationship.
A Column-Oriented DBMS is a Database system that stores data by column rather than row.
General Architecture of SAP HANA Database
Let us understand the concept of Column Oriented DBMS using an example.
If we have employee details of 3 Employee in our system, as follow:
Row ID
EMP ID
NAME
SALARY
001
1231
BARRY ALLEN
50000
002
1232
OLIVER QUEEN
60000
003
1233
JAMES BOND
70000
Row Oriented System:
In row oriented system, it will be saved as follows (It will not be saved as shown, because real database systems save it in serialized manner):
001: 1231, BARRY ALLEN, 50000;
002: 1232, OLIVER QUEEN, 60000;
003: 1233, JAMES BOND, 70000;
Now if I have to make a search on the basis of SALARY, it will search whole system for that, which is okay in case of low data but slow in case of abundant data. In that case Row Oriented System make Indexes on basis of column as shown below:
001: 50000;
002: 60000;
003: 70000;
The Indexes are faster, the only demerit is that for every column An Index will be required, which will acquire more data in database.
Column Oriented System:
In column oriented system, it will be saved as follows:
1231:001,1232:002,1233:003;
BARRY ALLEN:001, OLIVER QUEEN: 002, JAMES BOND:003;
50000:001, 60000:002, 70000:003;
In above example, every row has same type of data i.e. on the basis of column.
One point to observe is: “In a row-oriented indexed system, the primary key is the Row ID that is mapped from indexed data. In the column-oriented system, the primary key is the data, which is mapped from Row ID”.
So, if we want to do a search on basis of any column, the searches will be faster as it will be searched only in a single row.
How to Access SAP HANA:
SAP HANA utilizes Raw/Open SQL to communicate with database as well as utilizes “ABAP for HANA” which is newer version of ABAP that runs on HANA.
