Essential SAP ABAP Interview Questions and Core Concepts

Core SAP ABAP Concepts and Definitions

What is the Use of ALV (ABAP List Viewer)?

ALV (ABAP List Viewer) is a powerful tool in SAP that facilitates the creation and display of reports with enhanced functionalities and features. It is widely used in SAP to present data in a structured and user-friendly manner. ALV is part of the SAP GUI and is used to generate reports and tables that provide users with various options for interacting with data.

Understanding the SAP ABAP 3-Tier Architecture

The SAP R/3 architecture is a multi-tiered structure that comprises three main layers:

1. The Presentation Layer: This is the topmost tier, responsible for providing user interfaces for interacting with the system. It serves as the gateway for users to access and interact with SAP applications.
2. The Application Layer: This is the middle tier. It houses the business logic and application programs that execute various business processes. This layer is responsible for processing user requests, performing data validation, and executing application logic.
3. The Database Layer: This is the lowest tier, responsible for storing and managing data. It stores all business data, configuration settings, and user information. Databases like SAP HANA or Microsoft SQL Server are commonly used here.

Detailed Explanation of SAP ALE (Application Link Enabling)

SAP ALE stands for Application Link Enabling. It is a technology used to exchange business data between various SAP systems or between SAP and non-SAP systems. ALE acts as an integration technology that enables different types of applications and system operations within an organization to facilitate business processing and the flow of information. In simple terms, SAP ALE describes the message flow between logical systems.

Types of Internal Tables in ABAP

• Standard Table: Has no unique key; data is stored in the order of insertion.
• Sorted Table: Automatically sorted by a specified key.
• Hashed Table: Optimized for fast access using a unique key.

Different Types of Views in SAP ABAP

In SAP ABAP (Advanced Business Application Programming), "views" refer to different types of data views or database views that allow you to define and manipulate data in a structured manner. These views provide a way to access, filter, and display data from database tables or other views. The main types of views in SAP ABAP are:

1. Database View
2. Projection View
3. Help View
4. Maintenance View

Definition of an ABAP Work Area

A work area is a single row buffer used to hold data temporarily during the processing of internal tables or database operations.

Differences Between ALE and EDI in SAP

While both facilitate data exchange, ALE and EDI serve distinct purposes:

ALE (Application Link Enabling)

• Scope: Primarily within the SAP ecosystem (SAP ERP, CRM, BW, etc.) or between SAP and non-SAP systems.
• Focus: Data distribution, business process automation, and asynchronous communication within the SAP landscape.

EDI (Electronic Data Interchange)

• Scope: Standardized method for exchanging structured business documents between different organizations, often across industry boundaries. Not limited to SAP.
• Focus: Document exchange (e.g., purchase orders, invoices, shipping notifications) for intercompany communication with external partners.

Transparent Table vs. Pooled Table in SAP

• Transparent Table: Has a one-to-one relationship with a physical table in the database.
• Pooled Table: Stores data for multiple logical tables in a single physical table in the database.

Types of Data Dictionary Objects in SAP ABAP (DDIC)

The ABAP Data Dictionary (DDIC) includes several types of objects, often referred to as aggregate objects, each serving a specific purpose:

• Tables: Used to store data in the SAP system.
• Views: Provide a consolidated view of data stored in one or more tables.
• Search Help: Used to provide input assistance (F4 help).
• Lock Objects: Used to synchronize access to data records.

Additionally, elements like domains define the data type and rules for a specific field in a table.

Smart Forms in SAP ABAP: Differences from SAP Scripts

Smart Forms are used for designing print layouts and offer significant advantages over older SAP Scripts:

• Interface: Smart Forms offer a graphical interface.
• Scripting: They do not require complex scripting (unlike SAP Scripts).
• Functionality: They support dynamic table rendering and complex output formatting.