ABAP Developer
The 15 Most Important Topics for the ABAP Developer of the Future!
Introduction
In this weblog post, I’ll share my attitude toward the future of present-day ABAP Developers. We’ll talk rising trends, new technologies, or even a few hooked-up ones that are not getting the eye they deserve. I’ll additionally discuss old paradigms, evolving approaches, and the brand-new profile of the so-called “SAP Developer,” as we frequently locate ourselves operating past ABAP.
To arrange this, I’ll use the MoSCoW prioritization technique, broadly utilized in undertaking management. This technique categorizes priorities as Must Have, Should Have, Could Have, and Won’t Have.
Main Part
1. ABAP 7.5+ (Should Have)
As unexpected as it is able to appear, ABAP 7.5+ remains underused or in part applied in 2024. While listing all its blessings could make this weblog too lengthy, I’d like to focus on key blessings:
More readable code.
Compatibility with present-day extensions and technologies (e.g., EML).
Migrating isn’t always easy, however, it may be finished gradually. For the ones searching for guidance, I endorse Smart Logic Academy’s content: Smart Logic Blog.
2. ABAP OO (Should Have)
Object-Oriented ABAP is a ways from new, but it is no longer a broadly followed paradigm. The time to include it is far now! SAP’s new products—and especially the S/4HANA Public Cloud Edition—frequently require or inspire the usage of instructions and techniques. This is even greater crucial in the BTP ABAP Environment, wherein procedural coding isn’t always an option.
Remember: actually changing FORM/PERFORM with instructions/techniques isn’t always enough. Learn the essence of OO programming: inheritance, polymorphism, and encapsulation.
3. Eclipse ADT (Should Have)
Eclipse ADT is the IDE of the brand new SAP Developer. Some items can best be created on this environment.
While transitioning from SE80/SE38 may be challenging, the blessings far outweigh the preliminary struggles. For the ones operating on S/4HANA Public Cloud Edition or BTP ABAP Environment, Eclipse ADT is obligatory. Even for older ERP versions, experimenting with Eclipse can accelerate your improvement process.
4. ABAP Cloud (Could Have)
ABAP Cloud is SAP’s imaginative and prescient for the destiny. If you are operating with S/4HANA On-premise 2022, S/4HANA Cloud (Public or Private), or BTP ABAP Environment, ABAP Cloud isn’t always simply an option—it is frequently the best option.
This version aligns with SAP’s easy middle philosophy and allows seamless enhancements with the aid of using the use of launched items for cloud compatibility.
Start your adventure here: SAP ABAP Learning Journey.
5. New Extensibility Model + Clean Core (Could Have)
Extensibility is crucial in S/4HANA On-premise 2022 and Cloud Editions. SAP’s new structure emphasizes extensibility thru tiers, launched items, and satisfactory practices like developer extensibility, key consumer extensibility, and facet-with the aid of using-facet extensibility.
Learn more here: Clean Core Extensibility Learning Journey.
6. SAP BTP (Could Have)
Understanding SAP BTP is vital, especially for its effect on SAP developers. Familiarize yourself with its services, structure, and integration with ABAP Environment.
Here’s a high-quality resource: Discover SAP BTP.
7. Code Pushdown (Must Have)
Techniques like CDS Views and AMDP are nonetheless underutilized, regardless of their clear benefits in optimizing performance. Using SQL Script to push processing to the database minimizes application-layer workload and complements scalability.
Explore this subject matter similarly within the ABAP Learning Journey.
8. Clean Code, ATC, and ABAP Unit Tests (Must Have)
Quality is non-negotiable. Utilize gear like ATC and observe the Clean ABAP Style Guide for steady and green code. Automating exams with ABAP Unit can enhance code reliability whilst saving time at some stage in regression testing.
Clean ABAP Guide: GitHub Clean ABAP Style Guide
Eclipse ADT ABAP Clean Code: how-to-enable-easy-code-checks-for-abap
ABAP Tools for Clean Code: abap-gear-for-easy-abap
ABAP Unit exams: acquire-middle-abap-abilities
9. RAP (Should Have)
The ABAP RESTful Application Programming Model (RAP) is SAP’s framework for constructing organization apps and services. It combines CDS, OData, and present-day programming ideas right into a unified version.
For Public Cloud and BTP ABAP Environment, RAP is obligatory due to the fact that SEGW is unavailable.
For insights, observe @Andre_Fischer
Start here: Building Apps with RAP.
10. Interface Knowledge (Could Have)
Modern initiatives call for an expertise of synchronous/asynchronous interfaces, inbound/outbound communication, and protocols like HTTP, REST, SOAP, and OData. Familiarity with Postman and API Hub (api.sap.com) is noticeably recommended.
11. Adobe Forms (Could Have)
Adobe Forms stays SAP’s go-to device for shape printing. Stay up to date with capabilities like fragments, Adobe LiveCycle Designer, and Adobe Service on BTP.
12. Certifications (Could Have)
Certifications validate your expertise, advance your career, and strengthen your company’s role as an SAP partner. Consider the ABAP Cloud Certification:
ABAP Cloud Certification.
13. Fiori Elements (Could Have)
Low-code gear like Fiori Elements simplifies app improvement. Master the floorplans, deployment options, tiles, catalogs, and integration with RAP.
Start here: Fiori Elements Learning Journey.
14. Other Technologies (Won’t Have)
While gear like CAP, SAP Integration Suite, and Work Zone are valuable, awareness first on ABAP and RAP. Being exceptional at middle abilities whilst diversifying into others is key.
15. AI in SAP Development (Could Have)
AI gear can drastically improve your productivity. Whether reading requirements, automating exams, or writing code, gear like SAP Joule can turn out to be helpful copilots.
For a few, this roadmap may also appear daunting, however embracing those abilities is vital to stay applicable as an SAP Developer. Start your getting to know adventure now and take gain of the ample free, splendid sources available.
