Part 2 : ABAP Restful Application Programming Model (Modeling)

Introduction

In this tutorial, we will explore the ABAP Restful Application Programming Model (RAP) by building an application using ABAP language. We will cover the creation of essential components such as a database table, interface view, consumption view, and a metadata extension file. This guide aims to provide clear and actionable steps to help you understand and implement the ABAP RAP effectively.

Step 1: Create a Database Table

To start building your application, you need a database table that will serve as the foundation for your data model.

• Open the ABAP Development Tools (ADT) in your SAP environment.
• Navigate to the Data Definition section.
• Create a new database table by defining the following:
  • Table Name: Specify a meaningful name for your table.
  • Fields: Define the necessary fields, including data types and lengths.
  • Primary Key: Set a primary key to uniquely identify each record.

Tip: Ensure your field names follow SAP naming conventions for better compatibility.

Step 2: Define an Interface View

Next, we will create an interface view that allows access to the database table.

• In ABAP Development Tools, go to the Interface View section.
• Create a new interface view by specifying:
  • View Name: Choose a descriptive name.
  • Source Table: Link it to the database table created in Step 1.
  • Fields: Select the fields you want to expose through this interface.

Common Pitfall: Avoid exposing unnecessary fields to enhance performance and security.

Step 3: Create a Consumption View

After defining the interface view, create a consumption view that will be used in your applications.

• Navigate to the Consumption View section in ADT.
• Create a new consumption view:
  • View Name: Use a name that indicates its purpose.
  • Interface View: Reference the interface view created in Step 2.
  • Annotations: Add any necessary annotations to enhance the view’s functionality, such as UI annotations.

Tip: Utilize SAP Fiori Elements for improved user interface design when working with consumption views.

Step 4: Develop a Metadata Extension File

A metadata extension file is essential for enhancing the capabilities of your views.

• In ADT, locate the Metadata Extension section.
• Create a new metadata extension file:
  • File Name: Provide a suitable name.
  • Extend the existing interface or consumption views with additional metadata.

Practical Advice: Use this file to define custom business logic or additional fields that enhance the standard behavior of your views.

Step 5: Implement Change Set for Multiple Record Updates

To enable bulk updates in your application, you will need to implement a change set.

• Create a change set in the appropriate location in your ABAP code.
• Define the operations you want to include, such as update, create, or delete.

change_set my_change_set
  update entity_name
  set field_name = new_value
  where condition.

Tip: Test your change set thoroughly to ensure it handles multiple records correctly without errors.

Step 6: Apply Authorization Checks

Implementing authorization checks is crucial for security.

• Use the instance authorization feature within your ABAP RAP model.
• Define the necessary authorization objects to control access to the views and data.

Common Pitfall: Ensure all critical operations are protected by proper authorization checks to prevent unauthorized access.

Conclusion

In this tutorial, we covered the foundational steps to create an application using the ABAP Restful Application Programming Model. We focused on building a database table, defining interface and consumption views, developing a metadata extension file, and implementing change sets with authorization checks.

Next steps could include exploring advanced features of the ABAP RAP, such as service binding and deploying your application to SAP Fiori. With this guide, you now have a solid foundation to start building robust applications in ABAP RAP.