Large businesses utilize a software category called Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) under the name of SAP (Systems, Applications, and Products in Data Processing) to manage their everyday operations. RICEFW (Reports, Interfaces, Extensions, Forms, and Workflows) object development in SAP is done using ABAP. In SAP, ABAP is fully referred to as advanced business application programming (ABAP). Developing an application for the SAP R/3 system requires the usage of SAP ABAP, a fourth-generation application-specific programming language. These apps, which were created with the aid of ABAP/4, will function in SAP.
In this article, we will see the Top 30 SAP ABAP Interview Questions (2023).
Scope of SAP ABAP
The scope of SAP ABAP (Advanced Business Application Programming) is extensive. ABAP is a high-level programming language used primarily for customizing and developing applications within SAP's ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system. ABAP professionals are in demand for a variety of roles:
SAP Development: ABAP developers create custom programs, reports, and interfaces tailored to meet specific business needs.
SAP Integration: They integrate SAP systems with other applications and platforms.
SAP Consulting: ABAP consultants offer expertise in optimizing and enhancing SAP implementations.
SAP Support: They are crucial in maintaining and troubleshooting SAP systems.
SAP Security: ABAP experts ensure data security and compliance within SAP environments.
The SAP NetWeaver Application Server, a component of the SAP NetWeaver platform, is now using it alongside Java to construct business applications. Furthermore, we will cover frequently asked SAP ABAP Interview Questions. We will discuss 30 interview questions in different levels, such as easy, medium, and hard levels. Let us start with the easy-level SAP ABAP interview questions.
SAP ABAP Interview Questions for Freshers
1. What is SAP ABAP?
Software of the ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) variety called SAP (Systems, Applications, and Products in Data Processing) is used to oversee the day-to-day operations of a sizable corporation. The fourth-generation programming language, Advanced Business Application Programming, or ABAP, is used to enable the mass processing of data in SAP business systems. The SAP ABAP platform makes it feasible to create corporate applications for bigger businesses and financial institutions. As a result, SAP ABAP will offer protection against organizational data leaks and security concerns.
SAP ABAP is appropriate for integrated applications that businesses use to gather, handle, store, and evaluate data from various functional areas. It will serve as a sole data source and facilitate data sharing between all organizational components. The clients benefit from higher precision in corporate operations.
2. How many ways are there to access an SAP system?
There are two ways for users to access an SAP system.
using SAP GUI
by using a Web browser
We refer to this as a front-end. Only the front-end, not the application databases server, can be installed by the user. The user's requests for the database server and application servers are accepted by the front end.
3. What does ABAP's data dictionary mean?
The primary purpose of the data dictionary is to describe the reasoning behind the structures of certain objects that are used in the creation of ABAP 4. A data dictionary is the main tool for creating an application or programming language. A data dictionary is used in tables to display the relational database.
4. What are smart forms in SAP?
Smart Forms in SAP are user-friendly tools that help design and create business documents, such as invoices and reports. They simplify formatting and customizing these documents for efficient printing and distribution within SAP systems.
5. What are the different ABAP/4 editors?
ABAP/4 editors are tools used in SAP systems for writing and editing code. Common editors include "SAP GUI Editor" for simple tasks and "ABAP Workbench" for more complex coding and development work.
6. What do you mean by BDC programming (Batch Data Communications)?
Transferring large or external data into the SAP system is automatic. The main part of the transfer is the "queue file," which receives the data from batch input programs and groups organized into "sessions."
7. What is the type group in SAP ABAP?
In SAP ABAP, a "type group" is like a folder with similar data types. It makes managing and organizing related data types easier, improving code readability and maintenance.
8. What are the main distinctions between transparent tables and pool tables?
Transparent Tables
Pool Tables
Display and hold objects
Play billiards (pool)
Transparent (glass) or clear
Covered, often with felt or cloth
Displaying decorative items
Playing billiard games
Provides visibility through the surface
Surface is not transparent
Transparent or clear top surface
Specific markings, pockets, and cues
Not designed for gameplay
Specifically designed for billiard games
Homes, museums, retail displays
Game rooms, pool halls
Aesthetic and functional as display furniture
Provides a gaming surface for billiards
9. What purposes do Lock Objects serve?
Numerous programs can access the same data simultaneously, but Lock Objects, a unique feature of ABAP, synchronizes access to these data. Accessing the data records is made easier by specific programs. Data consistency issues might occasionally arise when inserted into a database; this is why Lock Object is employed.
10. How does the ABAP Data Dictionary define structure?
The structure is a data item consisting of parts with different data types stored separately in memory. Similar to a user-defined data type, structures are. It can be addressed from ABAP programs and functions as a table for the Data Dictionary. At runtime, the structure contains data.
11. Why are statements like "insert" and "append" used in SAP ABAP?
An additional record is added to the particular work area after the internal table with the aid of the append statement. The Insert Statement command adds a record to a given location.
12. What is Web Dynpro for ABAP?
The web-based application is developed in SAP using the development concepts and methods of SAP using Web Dynpro (WD), a standard user interface technology for ABAP. It offers a front-end online user interface for establishing a connection with back-end SAP R/3 systems so that users may access data and run reports. The ABAP Workbench combines a graphical programming environment with a runtime environment that contains specialized development tools.
You must first construct a Table pool/cluster.. then cluster/pool tables.. Head to SE11, then to UTILITIES, and then to Other Dictionary Objects. And choose and produce in
SAP ABAP Interview Questions for Intermediate
14. What are the Work Area's internal tables like?
Data is run-time stored in internal tables and work areas, which are temporary memory spaces. These are examples of internal tables and database tables. Work Area is an object of a common data type. These tables are only present while the program is running. To reorganize the contents of database tables under user needs, it is utilized to conduct table operations on subsets of database tables.
15. Why does SAP use ITS? What benefits does ITS offer?
The crucial connection between the internet and the SAP R/3 system is provided by ITS (Internet Transaction Server) in SAP. It is incorporated into the SAP Netweaver Application Server kernel. To transform screen-provided data from the R/3 system into HTML files and vice versa, ITS builds an interface between the R/3 system and the HTTP server. Thanks to ITS integration, direct communication with an SAP System is possible through a web browser. With the aid of "Internet Communication Manager," ITS can be accessed.
Benefits of ITS include:
The R/3 system allows for the development and testing of extensive web transactions.
It affects every transaction component, even those that aren't ITS-specific.
The R/3 system allows for the runtime use of language-dependent HTML content through automatic language processing.
16. What do you mean when you refer to SAP ABAP's workflow?
Workflows are used in the SAP system to carry out business operations in applications. Workflows are a crucial part of the SAP system that aid in the design of business processes; they can be either straightforward or intricate, recurring business processes. The user is free to develop new workflows because these are predefined in the SAP R/3 system. Additionally, it enables users to manage corporate operations in the most effective way possible.
Workflows will guarantee that the right information is transmitted in the right order, at the right time, to the right recipient. It functions consistently across all applications and is a tool for business process automation. It is appropriate for business operations involving a large number of people.
17. Describe the data classes?
The following classes make up the data classes classification:
Master Data: This class's data don't change very often.
Transaction Data: This class's data is subject to frequent change.
Organization Data: When the system is configured, this customized data is entered into the system. It is hardly ever altered.
System Data: The R/3 system itself utilizes this data.
18. What is a relationship with a foreign key?
Foreign keys are used to assure data consistency. Specifying the relationship between the tables and the field level is necessary. To ensure no inconsistencies, entered data should be compared to existing data. When defining a foreign key relationship, cardinality must be specified.
19. Describe table buffer. What kinds of tables were using this buffer?
In this context, "buffer" and "table buffer" refers to memory areas and application servers, respectively. Data from database tables is retrieved from the application server when you call for it. While cluster tables cannot be buffered, transparent and pool tables can.
20. What are SAP Scripts? Identify each of its parts.
A text-processing program part of the SAP System is called SAP script. Pre-formatted content is printed using it in the corresponding forms.
The following elements are found in SAP Script:
Editor: It will be used to enter and modify text lines.
Styles and layout set: It is primarily used for print layout. Independent of the specific texts, I will be formed using the necessary maintenance transactions and will then be assigned to the texts.
Composer: It is a central output module and is hidden from view\.
Programming interface: This feature enables you to incorporate SAP script components into your application programs and manage layout set output from within the programs.
Database tables: These will be used to store texts, layout sets, and styles.
21. What methods are there for tuning? What major techniques will you employ for these?
There are three tuning techniques: disc IO, SQL, and memory tuning. Before tuning, you must use the Oracle utility stat pack and tkprof to determine the status of your database.
22. Explain the differences between SAP memory and ABAP memory.
SAP memory
ABAP memory
The SAP Memory allows for data transfer from one session to another.
The internal component of the ABAP program makes use of the ABAP memory as a memory region.
The memory space known as SAP Memory has been linked to all SAP GUI sessions.
The calls made by the software contain data.
The programming system's sessions have seamless data transmission between them.
Data can be exchanged between program calls thanks to these program calls.
23. Explain the major differences between BAPI and RFC in SAP ABAP.
BAPI (Business Application Programming Interface)
RFC (Remote Function Call)
Provides a standardized interface for accessing and manipulating SAP business data and processes.
A generic mechanism for remote communication and function calls within and outside SAP.
Typically used for interacting with SAP business objects, data, transactions, and processes.
Used for remote function calls and data exchange between SAP and non-SAP systems.
Follows SAP's standard interface guidelines and offers a consistent and documented way to access SAP business functionality.
More general and may not adhere to the same level of SAP-specific standardization.
Supports data serialization and deserialization for complex data structures.
Requires developers to handle data serialization and deserialization manually.
Leverages SAP's authentication and authorization mechanisms for secure access to business data.
Offers various authentication methods, with developers responsible for implementing additional security measures.
24. Mention what is ALV programming in ABAP? When is this grid used in ABAP?
The ABAP Objects programming environment includes the SAP List Viewer (ALV) as a built-in component. It enables the presentation of structured datasets to be readily implemented by application developers. It is used to improve any report output's functionality and readability.
SAP ABAP Interview Questions for Experienced
25. What do you mean by BDC programming (Batch Data Communications)?
BDC is a process that automatically sends large or external data into the SAP system. The queue file is a crucial part of the transmission. Data is input into queue files by batch input programs and teams linked into "sessions."
26. Is multiple inheritances supported by the ABAP object?
When a class has multiple inheritances, that class can have more than one superclass. Because we can only inherit a class from one other class, ABAP objects do not support multiple inheritances. It permits the definition of a class in ABAP objects that derives solely from a single class. The compiler will issue an error notice if you attempt to define multiple superclasses while the class definition is in progress. But even so, utilizing Interfaces in SAP ABAP, you may get functionality akin to multiple inheritances.
27. What does SAP ABAP's IDoc mean?
An SAP object called IDoc (Intermediate Document) is used to send electronic communications containing business transaction data from one system to another. When moving data and information from the SAP system to other systems and vice versa, the IDoc is helpful. ALE (Application Link Enabling) subsystems transmit data between two SAP systems, and EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) subsystems send data from an SAP system to a non-SAP system.
28. Describe the benefits of the modularization method.
The application code is modularized or divided into smaller pieces to simplify maintenance. If, for instance, you wanted to implement the same logic, such as adding two numbers, in many places across the same program, you would put the logic within a modularization unit that could be called from everywhere you needed to add two numbers.
Modularization strategies have the following benefits:
Modularization will remove redundant code if a program needs to process the same function more than once or contains comparable statement blocks. As a result, it improves the reuse of code.
Using this modularization strategy, we may improve the program's structure and make it simpler to read.
Modularized programs will be simpler to maintain, update, and debug.
29. Describe a subroutine.
The subroutine is a piece of code that can be reused. It is a specialized component used in ABAP programs where functions are included within their source code. A subroutine can be called out for a specific program section to understand the main program better.
30. Explain the types of function modules in SAP ABAP.
SAP ABAP has different types of function modules. Remote-enabled function modules allow communication with other systems. Normal function modules perform specific tasks. RFC-enabled modules provide external system access. Update function modules help update database tables. Background modules run tasks in the background.
TCP/IP function modules allow internet communication. Each serves a unique purpose in SAP ABAP, aiding diverse tasks and integrations.
31. Describe a subroutine.
The subroutine is a piece of code that can be reused. It is a specialized component used in ABAP programs where functions are included within their source code. A subroutine can be called out for a specific program section to understand the main program better.
32. What distinguishes user exit from BADIs?
User exit is a procedural strategy that is utilized for a single implementation. BADIs are employed in the context of various implementations and object-oriented methodologies.
Multiple implementations here refer to the object's reusability.
33. How many functional modules will be used in sequence in BDC(Batch Data Communication)?
Three functional modules are used in a specific order for BDC (Batch Data Communication) programming to successfully complete the data transmission. As follows:
BDC OPEN GROUP: In this functional module, parameters like client name, user name, sessions, etc., will be given.
BDC INSERT: Data for a single transaction is inserted into a session.
BDC CLOSE GROUP: It serves to end a batch input session.
34.Mention what are the two methods of modifying SAP standard tables?
The modification of default SAP tables is not advised. The tables can be altered by adding additional fields or making them longer. By utilizing the APPEND or INCLUDE STRUCTURE commands, you can add the fields to the SAP standard tables.
Learning SAP ABAP can be challenging for some due to its complexity, but it's manageable and rewarding with dedication and practice.
Why does SAP use ABAP?
SAP uses ABAP because it's a programming language specially designed for business processes. ABAP helps customize and manage SAP software, making it work efficiently for various companies' needs.
What are the important topics in SAP ABAP?
Fundamental ABAP Programming Concepts, Internal Tables, ALVs, Data Dictionary (DDIC), Function Modules (both Standard and Custom), Reports, and ABAP - Object Oriented Programming ( OO-ABAP )are some of the significant themes in SAB ABAP.
What are the skills required for SAP ABAP?
For SAP ABAP, certain skills and knowledge are required, which include ABAP, Analytical Skills, Application Development, Communication Skills, HTML5, Java, Mobile Applications, SAP, SAP ERP, SAP Materials Management, SAP, S/4HANA, and SDLC.
What are the tools used in SAP ABAP?
Eclipse-based tools are employed in SAP ABAP. These tools were developed using Eclipse techniques and easily fit into the Eclipse ecosystem. Another one is GUI-based instruments. Through the SAP GUI, some ABAP tools are made accessible in the new IDE.
Is SAP ABAP functional or technical?
The SAP functional modules are the ones that offer the characteristics your company needs. They manage orders, inventory, human resources, the transformation of raw data into business intelligence, and other tasks. SAP ABAP are examples of functional manuals.
Conclusion
This article covered all the important SAP ABAP interview questions, from basic to experienced. That's it from the article. I hope you all find it useful.