What exactly is the SAP RESTful ABAP Programming Model (RAP) and how does it transform modern ABAP development?

In this post we are going to learn about SAP RESTful ABAP Programming Model(RAP). It’s a set of tools and frameworks within SAP that helps developers build modern, cloud-based applications using ABAP in a more efficient and standardized way.

RAP is a programming model designed to help developers create Fiori-based, UI5-enabled applications with a focus on REST APIs, allowing seamless integration with the SAP Cloud Platform. It’s primarily used to simplify the development of business applications by providing guidelines and a structure for both backend (ABAP) and frontend (UI5/Fiori) elements.

The SAP RAP framework supports:
Data access through OData and RESTful services
Simplified development with a focus on business logic and entities
Cloud-native approaches suitable for SAP S/4HANA Cloud environments
Fiori-optimized development for a smooth user experience

Evolution of ABAP Programming Model

Before diving into SAP RAP, it’s important to first understand how it evolved from the traditional approach to ABAP programming. In the past, ABAP development relied heavily on procedural programming and tightly coupled architectures, which often led to complex, hard-to-maintain systems. SAP RAP was introduced to modernize and streamline ABAP development by embracing a more flexible, service-oriented architecture. This shift allows for better scalability, reusability, and integration with cloud-native technologies. Understanding this evolution will give you a clearer perspective on how SAP RAP improves the development process and brings greater efficiency to your projects.

Evolution of ABAP Programming Model

Prerequisites for Hands-On Practice with SAP RAP

Follow the system setup process outlined below to begin your ABAP RAP hands-on tutorial.

How to add ABAP Development Tools(ADT) in your Eclipse.

SAP recommends using the latest version of the client installation. The ADT download is available on the update site https://tools.hana.ondemand.com/

How to set up a SAP Free Trial account for RAP

RAP – The BIG Picture

The following diagram structures the development of an OData service from a design time perspective. In other words, it displays the major development artifacts that you have to deal with during the creation of an OData service with the ABAP RESTful Application Programming Model. The diagram takes a bottom-up approach that resembles the development flow. The main development tasks can be categorized in three layers, Data modeling and Behavior, business services provisioning and Service consumption.

We will explore each of these sections in more detail in the upcoming topics of this RAP tutorial.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *