ABAP on HANA 2025: Transitioning from Classic ABAP to Modern SAP Best Development

SAP has been the backbone of enterprise applications for decades, and ABAP (Advanced Business Application Programming) has always been its core programming language. But with the rise of SAP HANA, a powerful in-memory database, businesses are shifting from traditional development to a new way of working. This change is commonly known as the shift from Classic ABAP to ABAP on HANA.

For professionals and companies, this transition is not just a technical upgrade but also a career-changing move. Let’s explore what this shift means, why it is important, and how you can prepare for it.

What is Classic ABAP?

Classic ABAP refers to the traditional way of programming in SAP before the arrival of HANA. Developers mainly focused on application-level coding, while the database layer was used only for storing and retrieving data. Most of the logic was processed at the application server level, which sometimes caused performance issues when handling large volumes of data.

What is ABAP on HANA?

With the introduction of SAP HANA, ABAP has been optimized to work directly with the in-memory database. ABAP on HANA is all about using new tools and techniques that take advantage of HANA’s speed and real-time capabilities.

In this environment, developers move from writing code that runs mostly on the application server to pushing logic down to the database (a concept known as code pushdown). This allows complex operations to run faster and more efficiently.

Why the Shift from Classic ABAP to ABAP on HANA is Important

The shift is not just a trend but a necessity. Here’s why:

• Better performance – HANA processes data in real-time, making applications faster.

• Efficient coding – With features like Core Data Services (CDS) and AMDP (ABAP Managed Database Procedures), you can write shorter, more powerful code.

• Future-proof skills – SAP is focusing heavily on HANA and S/4HANA. Classic ABAP alone is no longer enough for long-term careers.

• Smarter applications – Developers can build apps with advanced analytics and modern designs that were not possible with traditional ABAP.

Example of Shift from Classic ABAP to ABAP on HANA

To make it simple, let’s look at an example of shift from Classic ABAP to ABAP on HANA:

• In Classic ABAP, if you needed to process millions of records, you would fetch them into the application layer and then loop through them for calculations. This often caused slow performance.

• In ABAP on HANA, you push this logic into the database using CDS Views or AMDP. The database does the heavy lifting, and only the results are sent back, making it much faster.

This simple example shows why companies prefer developers who can adapt to ABAP on HANA.

Challenges in the Shift

While the benefits are clear, the shift from Classic ABAP to ABAP on HANA also comes with challenges:

• Developers need to unlearn some old habits and learn new methods.

• Not all businesses migrate to HANA at the same pace, so professionals must handle hybrid environments.

• Interviewers now expect practical knowledge of both classic ABAP and new HANA-specific techniques.

Preparing for Interviews – Common Questions

If you are planning to attend interviews, you may face shift from Classic ABAP to ABAP on HANA interview questions such as:

• What are the main differences between Classic ABAP and ABAP on HANA?

• Can you explain code pushdown with an example?

• How do CDS views improve performance compared to Open SQL?

• What are AMDPs and why are they useful?

• How do you optimize existing Classic ABAP programs for HANA?

Being confident in these answers shows that you are ready for the shift.

How to Prepare for the Shift

Here are some practical steps to get ready:

1. Learn the basics of HANA – Understand in-memory computing and how it differs from traditional databases.

2. Master CDS Views and AMDP – These are essential tools in ABAP on HANA.

3. Practice real examples – Convert Classic ABAP programs to HANA-optimized code to see the difference.

4. Attempt mock tests – These help you answer shift from Classic ABAP to ABAP on HANA interview questions confidently.

5. Join professional training – Institutes like GTR Academy provide structured learning with live projects, making your transition smoother.

Role of GTR Academy in This Shift

The journey from Classic ABAP to ABAP on HANA can be challenging without the right guidance. This is where GTR Academy plays a vital role. They offer:

• Expert trainers with real-time SAP project experience

• Updated content covering Classic ABAP, ABAP on HANA, and S/4HANA development

• Hands-on labs to practice code pushdown, CDS, and AMDP

• Mock interviews based on real shift from Classic ABAP to ABAP on HANA interview questions

• Placement support for freshers and experienced professionals

By enrolling with GTR Academy, you not only learn but also gain confidence to face interviews and real-world challenges.

Career Benefits of the Shift

Once you master ABAP on HANA, you can explore roles such as:

• ABAP on HANA Developer

• SAP HANA Consultant

• SAP S/4HANA Technical Consultant

• Performance Optimization Specialist

With companies worldwide moving to SAP S/4HANA, demand for such roles is growing rapidly. This means higher salaries, better job security, and global opportunities.

Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions on Shift from Classic ABAP to ABAP on HANA

Q1. What does the shift from Classic ABAP to ABAP on HANA mean?
It means moving from traditional ABAP programming, where most processing happens at the application layer, to ABAP on HANA, where logic is pushed to the database for faster and smarter performance.

Q2. Why is this shift important for SAP developers?
Because businesses are migrating to SAP HANA and S/4HANA, developers with only Classic ABAP knowledge may struggle. Learning ABAP on HANA makes you future-ready and opens more career opportunities.

Q3. What are the main differences between Classic ABAP and ABAP on HANA?
Classic ABAP focuses on application-level processing, while ABAP on HANA uses techniques like CDS views, AMDP, and code pushdown to process data directly in the database, improving speed and efficiency.

Q4. Can you give an example of the shift from Classic ABAP to ABAP on HANA?
Yes. In Classic ABAP, millions of records are fetched into the application server and processed using loops. In ABAP on HANA, the same logic is pushed into the database using a CDS view or AMDP, reducing time and improving performance.

Q5. What are common interview questions about this shift?
Some popular shift from Classic ABAP to ABAP on HANA interview questions include:

• What is code pushdown?

• How do CDS views improve performance?

• Explain the role of AMDP.

• What changes when optimizing Classic ABAP programs for HANA?

Q6. Do I need to learn new skills for ABAP on HANA?
Yes. Along with traditional ABAP, you need to learn Core Data Services (CDS), AMDP, Open SQL enhancements, and HANA concepts.

Q7. Is Classic ABAP still relevant?
Yes, but only partially. Many businesses still run legacy systems on Classic ABAP, but the industry focus is shifting to HANA. Having both skills is a big advantage.

Q8. How can I prepare for the shift effectively?
You can start by practicing code pushdown, working on CDS examples, and solving real-time interview questions. Structured training from institutes like GTR Academy helps you learn with hands-on practice.

Q9. What are the career benefits of learning ABAP on HANA?
You can work as an ABAP on HANA Developer, SAP Technical Consultant, or S/4HANA Developer. Salaries are higher, and demand is growing as more companies move to SAP HANA.

Q10. Why should I choose GTR Academy for training?
GTR Academy offers updated training on ABAP on HANA, expert guidance, real project exposure, mock interviews, and placement support. This makes it easier to transition from Classic ABAP to ABAP on HANA successfully.

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Final Thoughts

The shift from Classic ABAP to ABAP on HANA is one of the biggest transformations in the SAP ecosystem. While Classic ABAP skills are still valuable, businesses now expect developers to be proficient in HANA-optimized programming.

From understanding examples of code pushdown to preparing for interview questions, and from learning new techniques to enrolling in structured training with GTR Academy, you have all the tools to make this transition successfully.

If you are serious about building a future-proof SAP career, now is the best time to upgrade your skills and embrace the world of ABAP on HANA.