SAP

Dear ABAP programmers this post gives the complete all possible SAP ABAP real time project related scenarios and real time SAP project interview questions and answers. This will help all SAP ABAP programmers who are going to attend interviews with experience. Refer this post to read / view the complete package of real time interview questions and answers on projects. This collection is collected through various sources over the internet. Read this article by clicking on read more button. Let's enjoy reading this article.



 SAP-ABAP-Project-Real-Time-Interview-Questions-Answers


This post gives the complete real time project related scenarios and real time project interview questions and answers. This will help all SAP ABAP programmers who are going to attend interviews with experience. Refer this post to read / view the complete package of real time interview questions and answers project. 

 

 1. What is SAP R/3 Real time Landscape ?


Landscape : is the arrangement for the servers


DEVELOPMENT ---> QUALITY ----> PRODUCTION Servers                        


  Development                                              Quality/Testing                        Production/Go-Live



DEVELOPMENT :

 is where the consultants do the customization as per the company's              requirement and also the Custom Developments by ABAPers.

  Note :    ABAPers  always get access Only  to Development Server for Custom  Developments.




 QUALITY :


 is where the core team members and other members test the customization and   the Custom Developments.
    



  PRODUCTION :


 is where the live data of the company is recorded. 


   
  Note : A request will flow from Dev->Qual->Prod and not backwards.





Sandbox server: In the initial stages of any implementation project, You are given a     and              box server where you do all the configuration/customization as per the companies business process.


1.      Development Server: - Once the BBP(Business Blue Print) gets signed off, the configuration is done is development server and saved in workbench requests, to be transported to the Quality/Test server.


2.      QUALITY : is where the core team members and other members test the customization and the Custom Developments and Transport to Production Server.


3.      Production Server: This is the last/ most refined client where the user will work after project GO LIVE. Any changes/ new development is done is development client and the request is transported to production.


These three are landscape of any Company. They organised their office in these three way. Developer develop their program in Development server and then transport it to test server. In testing server tester check/test the program and then transport it to Production Server. Later it will deploy to client from production server.




  1. What is Size of Your Team ?
The Team Size Can vary from  10 to 100 and 200 etc..

The Team Size , generally refers to Only the ABAP Team

And the Project size Includes all the teams from each Module.


Note : 

There is no stringent rules on the team Size.

            You Can give  any Number BUT Be CONFIDENT of the  answer.



  1. What is Your Role in the Current Project ?
      To be frank, it depends on your Experience.
      As we already Discussed, the answers are prepared for the Candidates those appear
      for the interview with 2 to 3 Years Of Experience.

      The Generic roles with 2 to 3 Years experience

·          Analyze FS and Prepare Brief TS

·           Prepare the Detailed TS from the  FS or Brief FS.

·           Coding

·           Discussions with Functional People while Preparing the TS to understand more            about the FS.

·            Code Review

·            Transporting the Custom Developments.


Note :  If you are more Confident, You can also Project yourself as a Team Lead for
        a Small Team.


  1. What is FS(Functional Specification) ?
Functional Specification is the  Business Requirement Specification Document which is Prepared by the Functional Consultant.

This is also Called as GAP (The GAP Between the Current Organization’s Requirement and the Solutions available in SAP) .

This Can be Prepared Only after discussing With end users and understand their requirements  and Document the End users/Client requirements.

Note : It is Simply a  MS word Document which Carries the Client’s requirement.


  1. What is TS(Technical Specification)   ?

Is a Document , Prepared  by the Technical Consultant (ABAPer).

This Contains all the technical details such as the technical solution for the
Requirement.

The Detailed Technical Specification Contains all the details such as Starting from Designing Selection Screen, Declarations, all the Function Modules used and the Processing Logic to meet the Customer requirements, Unit Test Cases etc.


  1. What are Delivery Documents to be prepared to Deliver the Custom Development ?

Note : FS is the Initial Document to start the Process.
           
List Of Delivery Documents :

o   Brief and Detailed Technical Specification.

o    UTP (Unit Test Plan)

o     Document which provides the Transport request Details.

And You can have More documents which really depends on the The Project.


  1. How to Transport your Object(Custom Development)
From the Current Environment to the Other Environment ?


Note : To Transport the Custom Development from One     Environment(DEV) to another Environment(TEST) , the Object should be Eligible for transport.


Eligibilty1 :

The Object should be transportable Object(Not Local Object), i.e.  it should not be saved in Development Class/Package $TMP(Local Object).

Eligibilty2 :
            
             Each Development should be linked with one Transport Request No.
            And Each Request No has one Task No , Which Actually carry the
            Custom Developments.
           
Note1 :  To Transport the Developments, We need to release the Corresponding
            Task  and Request.(Task Should be Released Before the Request) and The copy of the development will be migrated as per the  Configuration(Routings ) Defined in TMS(Transport Management System).

Note 2:  Release Procedure :
           
Execute SE09 -> Right Click on the Task and Click On Release Directly Option
            And repeat the same for Transport Request No Also.

  1. What is Naming Standards and how it helps in Custom Development ?

Naming Standards Contains the rules to Provide the Names
      For all the Custom Developments and the Declarations etc.

Ex:
Custom Program Names,
                  Custom Table       Names,
                  Custom Data Elements , Domain Names,
                  Functional Module Names etc.
                 
Note : This is the First Document you receive when You join in any Project.

Objective :
The purpose of this document is to articulate a common set of standards and procedures for naming, development, and documentation of custom solutions with the goal of maximizing the quality, value and maintainability of each custom solution. 

SAP OBJECT NAMING CONVENTIONS

FUNDAMENTAL RULES

As of Release 4.0, SAP customers and partners can obtain their own namespace for their customer developments, which are to be delivered to independent third parties. Thus naming conflicts can be avoided during the delivery.
                                         
Development Namespaces
Standard SAP
Partner/Customer

A – X, 1 – 8
Before 4.0: Z_
As of 4.0:   /<3 – 8 digits>/

Ex : /Customer          - For all Customer Custom  Developments.

Reference(Source) Tables for all Naming Conventions:

PROGRAM TYPES

C
Conversion
D
Data Warehouse
G
General Functionality/Other
I
Inbound Interfaces
O
Outbound Interfaces
F
Inbound/Outbound Interfaces
P
Print Program (SAPScript)
N
Include
R
Report
S
System Maintenance
T
Data Dictionary Maintenance
U
User Exit/Validation Subroutine Pool
X
Temporary, Demo or Test programs

Work Streams and Process Streams


HR

HumanResources

MM

Materials Management

FI

Finance

SD

Sales Distribution

PP      

Production Planning

BW

BusinessInformationWarehouse

APO

Adnace Planner &Optimizere    etc..

 

General Naming Conventions:

Position

Description

1 – 5
Name Space
6  - 7
Process/Module (MM/SD/HR)
 8
Program  Type
9 – possible length
descriptive text;
it is recommended to start with an underscore ‘_’ In general use only Characters, Digits and underscore (and slash for Namespace) for Object Identifiers to avoid problems (for example conflicts with wildcard characters, codepages etc.)

Note : In Realtime we receive a Document with all these details, we need to

            Simply follow the Same While Creating the Custom Development Objects.


  1.  What is the Coding  Standards and how it helps in Custom Developments?
        Coding  Standards are the rules to develop the Source Code.
  The Objective of the Coding Standards are to Delivery the Quality Source Code.


Note : Even though each project has their own Coding Standards , all most
                  All the project follows the Similar coding Standards Because it
                  Contains Dos and Don’ts.

Program Internal Objects Naming Conventions

Internal program objects, such as variables, have to adhere to the following naming conventions, regardless if they occur in Reports, Methods, Workflow, etc.




Program Element
Use
Syntax
Types
General
TY_*
Constants
General
C_*
Variable
Counters
CNT_*
Flags
FLG_*
Sums
SUM_*
All others
V_*
Data references

Dynamically created data objects
DR_
Object references
ABAP Objects
O_
Interface references
ABAP Objects
IF_
Field-Symbols
Dynamic symbol
<*>
Structures
All kinds of work areas
WA_* or REC_* (or STRUCT_*)
Internal tables
Internal tables:
 - Standard table

I_*
 - Sorted table
IS_*
 - Hashed table
IH_*
Copy of database table
Y_* or Z_*[1]
Ranges
General
R_*
Local declaration
Statics
All others
ST_*
L_xxx_*
xxx      prefix (e.g. CNT, TY, I, etc.)
Select Options
in selection-screens
S_*
Parameters

in selection-screens
 - Radio Buttons
 - Check Boxes
P_*
RB_*
CB_*
Other Screen Elements (Dynrpo)

- Push Buttons
- Radio Buttons
- Check Boxes
- Controls for tabstrip
- Controls for tablecontrol
- OK - Field 
PB_*
RB_*
CB_*
TS_*
TC_*
OK_CODE
Formal parameters
interface of FORM routines
FP_*
Local classes
ABAP Objects
LCL_*
Local interfaces
ABAP Objects
LIF_*




Note: The asterisk in the table above signifies a descriptive name of your choosing. Consider using an underscore (_) to connect multi-word variable.



Developments will be inspected by QA after these mandatory rules.

Every object must be checked against this list of rules before it is delivered. This Process is ensured by the QA(Quality Analyst) from ODC(Offshore Development Center).

Violations against this list of  Mandatory rules must be analyzed and Documented.

Category

Rule

OK
Development process



Use the code inspector or the extended syntax check and fix all errors and warnings.


Use available consistency and layout check features in the screen painter and menu painter and fix all errors and warnings.


SAP-delivered objects, including tables, ABAP programs, Dynpros, SAP transactions, etc. cannot be modified according to the current Program Modification Policy.

Re-usability



Program logic, which is a candidate for reusability has to be made available to other programs by defining them with the function builder or class builder.

Program structure



Use the standard pattern  for all programs – Use header part of the standard pattern for all other development objects containing ABAP source code.


Program logic must be structured, simple and short:
1. Declaration including class definition (possibly in TOP include)
2. Main Processing
            - Read data and store in internal data objects (e.g. int. table)
            - Process data
            - Output data
3. Subroutines / class implementation (possibly in include)


Don't mix code and declaration in the processing part.


Use pretty printer.


Keep program length to a minimum. Each program should handle one discrete problem.


Start each new command or clause on a new line. Do not put multiple commands on the same line. If a statement continues past one line, indent all subsequent lines.


Skipped lines and indention should be used to promote clarity between sections of code as well as between definitions and processing. Keep logical sections together by using empty lines or comment  lines.


In every program a default message class must be specified.

Data declaration



Global data must be encapsulated in a TOP-Include in general. The include name should be the same as the program name with the suffix ‘_TOP’. Exceptions are small programs.


Data objects must be declared with an appropriate reference to a DDIC TYPE or a program internal TYPE. Don't  define data objects with the option LIKE.


The TABLES statement is not allowed except for a DYNPRO interface.


Don't use literals – always use constants.


Internal tables must not have header lines. Also, don't use the addition OCCURS as it is no longer supported in the ABAP OO context.  Use INTIAL SIZE instead.


Only specify an INITIAL SIZE for small internal tables (< 4kB of data) where the number of expected rows is known, otherwise omit this addition. 


Internal tables must be defined with the appropriate table type based on usage (HASHED, SORTED, STANDARD).


Follow the naming conventions for all internal program objects as per chapter 'Naming conventions for program internal objects'.


Always keep the SAP names. DO NOT “translate”.  If you need the same type of data from different tables like document numbers for different documents, prefix the name with the table name like:
            WA_VBAK_VBELN                       “Sales Order No.
            WA_LIKP_VBELN             “Delivery No.





Multi language capability



Use text elements, selection texts and messages to define language specific text. Do not use literals or constants for texts.  Allow translatability:

Modularization



Keep the main program short: Work with reusable, structured and small FORMS or METHODS – Even if they are not re-used (INCLUDES are not modularization units).


Repetitive code must be put into a modularization unit. The choice of modularization unit must take reusability into consideration (reuse library)


Use self-explanatory English names for modularization units such as subroutines, methods, etc. Use underscores (_) to connect multi-word modularization unit names.


Subroutine interface parameters (formal parameters) must be typed.


Don't pass an internal table using the TABLES addition of the FORM / PERFORM statement because they have no header line  and a header line will automatically be created – use the addition USING or CHANGING instead.


Don't use global variables in subroutines. Always pass actual parameters to the subroutine.


Do not use unreleased SAP function modules, which do updates to SAP standard tables. Be aware that SAP function modules not released for external use can be changed by SAP without further notice.


External PERFORM must NOT be used.


Don't use INCLUDE in methods. Use private methods for modularization in BADIs.


Don't use macros as they reduce readability and make debugging more difficult


When defining a new function module: Don't use the “TABLES” section in the function module interface. Instead use DDIC table types as importing, exporting or changing parameters.

Documentation


EMAX program header
Every program object must begin with a program header. This includes all objects containing ABAP source code (e.g. Reports, Includes, function modules, etc.)


Copied programs shall have a reference to the cloned program.

Declaration
All data objects must be documented.

Modularization units
All internal modularization units including their interface (FORMS, METHODS) must be documented with a short description.

Source code
Source code must be documented every 15-25 lines: Don't repeat the source code in the documentation, explain in business language.

Modifications
Document all code modifications (custom programs and SAP programs): Update the change history in the program header and document each change. See examples in chapter 'Recommendations'.

Dependent objects
If there are objects that are related to the same development, then they should be listed in the header comment, this is especially relevant for Workplace developments.


For programs and routines that are called from specific locations, including user exits, the documentation must indicate the calling program or routine.

Operations


COMPUTE
Don't use COMPUTE statement as well as “ADD”,  “DIVIDE”, etc. to make code more readable ® X = X + 2.

IMPORT EXPORT
Use IMPORT/EXPORT TO/FROM MEMORY only if no other technique is available for data exchange. Always use the addition ID. It must be documented where data is used (IMPORT: Where was data exported, EXPORT: Where will data be imported).
Also, use a business term for the Memory ID.

IF – CASE
For better readability, use CASE instead of IF, especially if more than 4 different values are checked. To optimize IF and CASE structures, always test values in order of the likelihood of each value occurring.

General


Obsolete Statements
Don't use obsolete statements or obsolete variants of statements (see online help for details)
Rule: Avoid using ABAP language, which is not supported in the ABAP Objects context.

SQL



Follow the "golden rules" for SQL programming:

Keep hit-set small
  • Use good (possibly positive) WHERE clause
  • Do not use SELECT ... CHECK ... (incorporate CHECK into WHERE clause)
  • Do not use SELECT without WHERE clause for tables that grow constantly (BSEG, MKPF, VBAK, etc.)
Keep amount of data to be transferred small
  • Do not use SELECT * (use SELECT f1, f2, etc. )
  • Use aggregates (SUM, AVG, etc.)
  • Update only the fields, which have been changed
Keep number of DB accesses small
  • Do not use SELECT ... APPEND ... ENDSELECT (Use array operations (e.g. INTO TABLE)
  • No SELECT within loops (load data into int. table and read record with READ TABLE ... WITH TABLE KEY ...)
  • Do not use UPDATE, INSERT, etc.  within loops (use UPDATE, INSERT, etc.  FROM TABLE ...)
Keep overhead in DB small
  • Use of primary or secondary DB index appropriately
Avoid unnecessary DB accesses
  • No re-reads
  • Use table buffering
  • Don't ORDER BY (sort data in internal table e.g. by using a SORTED internal table)





Avoid using 'SELECT … INTO CORRESPONDING FIELDS' as the associated overhead with 'CORRESPONDING FIELDS' could be significant.


Check the return code after every SQL statement


NEVER use native SQL.


NEVER update SAP standard DB tables in custom programs.


When creating a program that writes new or updates existing records you MUST secure that your program handles DB commits at a reasonable frequency.


Do not create lock objects for SAP standard tables

Working with internal tables



Direct access to an internal table within loops must be optimized by enabling hashed- or binary search (READ TABLE ... WITH TABLE KEY  or  LOOP ... WHERE)

Error Handling



All programs must include proper error handling to avoid undesirable terminations. This means that the return code (SY-SUBRC) must be checked after every statement in the program that changes it.


Always handle all exceptions of a function module call. Only if it is ensured, that the function module actually issues messages, handle the exceptions with the default message statement. Otherwise handle all exceptions with your own error messages. 


In dialog programs, to handle a lock entry failure, raise an error message (type E) preventing any further progress but leaving the user on the current screen. The user can take an alternative action or continue to try to lock the object. To minimize the impact on users, limit retries.

DDIC



If no special requirements exist for maintenance of custom table contents always create the table maintenance and associate a transaction code.

Dynpro programming



Use Data Dictionary names (short, medium, long) for field text on screens where applicable.


Use 'SAVE_OK_CODE' as the field name when saving the OK Code field. It is recommended that you use a backup version of the OK Code field to avoid sending a screen that already has a function code.


Screen numbering must follow functionality, such as:
9000 – Initial screen
9100 – Block 1
9110 – Sub-functionality of Block 1
9120 – Sub-functionality of Block 1 

Selection screen design



Screen numbering for additional selection screens has to follow rules for regular dynpros.

Report output design



Include the following information in the output list to give users a clear indication as to what the report consists of:
  • End-User Reports: selection criteria, entries found, requester, report name, date/time, exceptions, parameters, etc.
  • Conversion/Interface Reports: number of records read, number of records processed, number of records written, date/time, transactions posted, etc.



                 Coding Guidelines(Standards) :

ABAP Programming Hints and Examples :

Category
Hints and recommendations
Working with internal tables: Field-Symbols


        
Working with field-symbols increases the performance by 30%-50% when processing internal tables:

DATA: i_customer TYPE SORTED TABLE OF ty_customer
      WITH UNIQUE KEY kunnr.

FIELD-SYMBOLS: <cust> TYPE ty_customer.

LOOP AT i_customer ASSIGNING <cust>.
   WRITE: / <cust>-KUNNR,
            <cust>-NAME1.
ENDLOOP.


Working with field-symbols increases the performance when updating internal tables. Also no modify is required. 

CONSTANTS: c_x TYPE char1 VALUE 'X'.

DATA: i_customer TYPE SORTED TABLE OF ty_customer
      WITH UNIQUE KEY kunnr.

FIELD-SYMBOLS: <cust> TYPE ty_customer.

LOOP AT i_customer ASSIGNING <cust>.
  <cust>-MARKED = c_x.
ENDLOOP.

Internal table types




         
Overview

Table type
Usage
STANDARD
Memory dump; no sorting, no reading required, fill sequentially, process sequentially, access time linear
SORTED
Sorted output, unique/non-unique key possible, performance optimized read/loop with partial/full key, access time logarithmic
HASHED
Look-up table, unique key only, performance optimized reads with partial/full key, access time constant

Catching system-exceptions





        
Catching a "short-dump"

CATCH SYSTEM-EXCEPTIONS ARITHMETIC_ERRORS = 5.

  v_res = v_fact_save = v_fact.
  v_fact = v_fact – 1.
  DO v_fact TIMES.
    v_res = v_res / v_fact.     "<- COMPUTE_OVERFLOW
    v_fact = v_fact – 1.
  ENDDO.

ENDCATCH.

IF sy-subrc = 5.
  WRITE: / TEXT-001.            "'Overflow!
ELSE.
  WRITE: / TEXT-002,
           v_fact_save,
           TEXT-003,
           v_res.
ENDIF.

Note: List of catchable exceptions: See Help.
CALL FUNCTION error handling
When a function call is inserted into the source code using the pattern button, then default error handling is copied as follows:

IF sy-subrc <> 0.
* MESSAGE ID SY-MSGID TYPE SY-MSGTY NUMBER SY-MSGNO
*         WITH SY-MSGV1 SY-MSGV2 SY-MSGV3 SY-MSGV4.
ENDIF.

Replace default message statement with specific error handling.

e.g.

CASE sy-subrc.
  WHEN 1.
    MESSAGE e006(/emax/msgid) WITH v_storage.
*   Packing Storage type & does not exists
  WHEN 2.
    ...
ENDCASE.

Performance optimized SQL
Keep the hit-set small:
Don't access records from the DB to the application server memory, which is are not used for further processing.
Don't
Do
       
        

SELECT CARRID CONNID
  FROM SBOOK INTO WA_SBOOK.
  CHECK:
  WA_SBOOK-CARRID = 'LH' AND
  WA_SBOOK-CONNID = '0400'.
ENDSELECT.


          

SELECT CARRID CONNID
  FROM SBOOK INTO WA_SBOOK
  WHERE CARRID = 'LH' AND
        CONNID = '0400'.
ENDSELECT.


Performance optimized SQL
Keep amount of data to be transferred small:
Don't transfer data from the DB to the application server memory, which is not used for further processing
Don't
Do

        

SELECT *
  FROM DD01L
  INTO WA_DD01L
  WHERE DOMNAME LIKE 'CHAR%'
        AND AS4LOCAL = 'A'.
ENDSELECT.


          

SELECT DOMNAME
  FROM DD01L
  INTO WA_DD01L-DOMNAME
  WHERE DOMNAME LIKE 'CHAR%'
        AND AS4LOCAL = 'A'.
ENDSELECT.

 
Performance optimized SQL
Keep number of DB accesses small
Transfer data from DB server to application server at once. Multiple smaller transports are more expensive.

Don't
Do

        

DATA WA_T006 TYPE T006.
CLEAR I_006[].
SELECT *
  FROM T006
  INTO WA_T006.
  APPEND WA_T006 TO I_006.
ENDSELECT.


          

SELECT *
  FROM T006
  INTO TABLE I_006.

Performance optimized SQL
Keep number of DB accesses small
Avoid SELECT SINGLE ... between LOOP and ENDLOOP, especially for larger tables (>100 rows). It is more efficient to load data from multiple DB tables into internal tables and process them in the application server memory.

Don't
Do

           
DATA:
  I_SFLIGHT TYPE TABLE
            OF SFLIGHT,
  WA_SPFLI  TYPE SPFLI.

FIELD-SYMBOLS:
  <SF> TYPE SFLIGHT.

SELECT * FROM SFLIGHT
  INTO TABLE I_SFLIGHT.

LOOP AT I_SFLIGHT
  ASSIGNING <SF>.

  SELECT SINGLE *
    FROM SPFLI
    INTO WA_SPFLI
    WHERE CARRID =
      <SF>-CARRID
     AND CONNID =
      <SF>-CONNID.

ENDLOOP.





          

FIELD-SYMBOLS:
  <SF> TYPE SFLIGHT,
  <SP>   TYPE SPFLI.

SELECT * FROM SFLIGHT
  INTO TABLE I_SFLIGHT.

SELECT * FROM SPFLI
  INTO TABLE I_SPFLI
  FOR ALL ENTRIES
    IN I_SFLIGHT
  WHERE CARRID =
    I_SFLIGHT-CARRID
  AND   CONNID =
    I_SFLIGHT-CONNID.

LOOP AT I_SFLIGHT
  ASSIGNING <SF>.

  READ TABLE I_SPFLI
   ASSIGNING <SP>
   WITH TABLE KEY
     CARRID = <SF>-CARRID
     CONNID = <SF>-CONNID.

ENDLOOP.


Performance optimized SQL
Keep number of DB accesses small
If possible try to retrieve the data with one SQL statement (e.g. JOIN, sub query, etc.). Avoid nested select statements.

Don't
Do

        

SELECT *
  FROM SPFLI
  INTO WA_SPFLI.

  SELECT *
    FROM SFLIGHT
    INTO WA_SFLIGHT
    WHERE CARRID =
      WA_SPFLI-CARRID
      AND CONNID =
      WA_SPFLI-CONNID.
  ENDSELECT.

ENDSELECT.


          

SELECT P~CARRID P~CONNID
       S~FLDATE
  INTO TABLE I_FLI
  FROM SPFLI AS P
  INNER JOIN SFLIGHT AS F
  ON  P~CARRID = F~CARRID
  AND P~CONNID = F~CONNID.




Performance optimized SQL
Keep overhead in the DB small
Always take advantage of existing DB indexes. Use a good and simple where – clause: Positive (=, >, <, etc.). Make sure an index can be used from the left to the right.

If no index can be used, then the DB system executes a full table scan.

Don't
Do

        

DATA: WA_MSG TYPE T100.

SELECT *
  FROM T100
  UP TO 1 ROWS
  INTO WA_MSG
  WHERE SPRSL = SY-LANGU
  AND   MSGNR = '999'
  AND   ARBGB <> 'V0'.

ENDSELECT.


          

DATA: WA_MSG TYPE T100.

SELECT *
  FROM T100
  UP TO 1 ROWS
  INTO WA_MSG
  WHERE SPRSL = SY-LANGU
  AND   MSGNR = '999'
  AND   ARBGB = 'V0'.

ENDSELECT.


Performance optimized SQL
Avoid unnecessary DB accesses

The access time is accelerated if buffered tables are accessed.

The following statements cannot use SAP table buffer support:

- BYPASSING BUFFER
- ORDER BY
- SELECT DISTINCT
- JOIN and SUBQUERIES
- aggregate functions (e.g. SUM, AVG, MIN, MAX.)
- WHERE ... IS [NOT] NULL

Don't
Do

        

SELECT DISTINCT *
  FROM T100
  INTO T100_WA
  WHERE SPRSL = 'D'
    AND ARBGB = '00'
    AND MSGNR = '999'.
ENDSELECT.


          

SELECT SINGLE *
  FROM T100 
  INTO WA_T100
  WHERE SPRSL = 'D'
    AND ARBGB = '00'
    AND MSGNR = '999'.


SQL – Existence-check


Check DB table for existence of rows for a given condition.

Don't
Do

        

SELECT SINGLE COUNT( * )
  FROM DD02L
  WHERE MASTERLANG = 'E'.




          

DATA:
  V_TABNAME TYPE TABNAME.

SELECT TABNAME
  INTO V_TABNAME
  FROM DD02L
  UP TO 1 ROWS
  WHERE MASTERLANG = 'E'.
ENDSELECT.


Note: Our example uses a DB table with 150000 rows. The UP TO 1 ROWS example is 600 times faster.
LUW control
Check return code after inserts, updates, delete and modify. Avoid implicit commit:

UPDATE sflight
  SET seatsocc = seatsocc + 1
  WHERE carrid = c_lufthansa.

IF sy-subrc = 0.
  COMMIT WORK.
  MESSAGE s009(bc_bor).
* Change successful
ELSE.
  ROLLBACK WORK.
  MESSAGE i008(bc_bor).
* Error when changing
ENDIF.

LUW control
Updates are carried out by function module in update task:

* Log V1 update module in LUW
  CALL FUNCTION 'Y_UPDATE_SFLIGHT'
    IN UPDATE TASK
    EXPORTING
      im_sflight = wa_sflight.

* Start update task
  COMMIT WORK.


FUNCTION y_update_sflight.
*"----------------------------------------------------------*"*"Update function module:
*"
*"*"Local interface:
*"  IMPORTING
*"     VALUE(IM_SFLIGHT) TYPE  SFLIGHT
*"----------------------------------------------------------
  UPDATE sflight FROM im_sflight.

  IF sy -subrc <> 0.
    MESSAGE a008(bc_bor).      " <-- ROLLBACK if called in
                               "     update task
*   Error when changing
  ENDIF.

ENDFUNCTION.

LUW control
When creating a program that writes new or updates existing records you MUST secure that your program handles DB commits at a reasonable frequency.

As a general rule, you should do a commit every 1000 or 10 000 records. If your program is running for a long period of time without doing a commit, the database and eventually the whole system will be deadlocked. Shutting down the system is the only option left to terminate the execution as your program consumes all resources.

Regarding commit be aware of the enqueue / dequeue logic for table locks and ensure that only consistent data is updated with commit work!
Calculations
When performing calculations in ABAP,  the amount of CPU time used depends on the data type. In very simple terms,  Integers (type I) are the fastest,  Floating Points (type F) require more time,  and Packed (type P) are the most expensive. Normally,  Packed number arithmetic is used to evaluate arithmetic expressions. If,  however,  the expression contains a floating point function,  or there is at least one type F operand,  or the result field is type F,  floating point arithmetic is used instead for the entire expression.  On the other hand,  if only type I fields or date and time fields occur,  the calculation involves integer operations.

Since floating point arithmetic is relatively fast on SAP hardware platforms,  it should be used when a greater value range is needed and rounding errors can be tolerated. 

Rounding errors may occur when converting the external (decimal) format to the corresponding internal format (base 2 or 16) or vice‑versa.

Operations
Avoid MOVE-CORRESPONDING wherever possible:

Moving identical structures:
Avoid
Better
MOVE-CORRESPONDING
  struct_xxx TO struct_yyy.

struct_yyy = struct_xxx.

Moving identical internal tables (without header lines)

Recommendation

i_yyy = i_xxx.

Moving identical internal tables (with header lines)

Recommendation

i_yyy[] = i_xxx[].

CHECK
Avoid CHECK within user-exits

Avoid
Better

CHECK sy-subrc = 0.


IF sy-subrc = 0.
  PERFORM ...
ENDIF.


CHECK sy-subrc = 0
is the same as
IF sy-subrc <> 0. EXIT. ENDIF.

® Negative result of a CHECK leaves the processing block or modularization unit (e.g. FORM, FUNCTION MODULE, EVENT), unless CHECK is within a loop (LOOP ... ENDLOOP,  SELECT ...  ENDSELECT).  Especially within INCLUDE programs, CHECK may be dangerous.

Hint: If it is desired to leave a processing block, use RETURN

DESCRIBE
Checking if an internal table is empty

Don't
Do

DESCRIBE i_xxx LINES v_lin.
IF v_LIN = 0.
  ...
ENDIF.

IF i_xxx IS INITIAL.

ENDIF.

*) i_xxx has no header line

FREE / CLEAR / REFRESH
Deleting rows of an internal table

Internal table is no longer used (memory can be released)

Do




FREE i_xxx.


Internal table is used again
Don't
Do

FREE i_xxx.


CLEAR i_xxx.

*) i_xxx has no header line

TABLES




         
Don't use the TABLES statement (except for Dynpro interface)

Example: Referencing table work areas in SELECT-OPTIONS
Don't
Do

TABLES: KNA1.

SELECT-OPTIONS:
  S_KUNNR FOR KNA1-KUNNR.


DATA:
  V_KUNNR TYPE KNA1-KUNNR.

SELECT-OPTIONS:
  S_KUNNR FOR V_KUNNR.


CONSTANTS
Use self explaining constant names

Don't
Do

CONSTANTS:
  C_7512 TYPE KSCHL
         VALUE '7512'.

CONSTANTS:
  C_COND_TYPE_DISCOUNT
         TYPE KSCHL
         VALUE '7512'.


RANGES
Use ranges without header lines

Don't
Do

RANGES:
  r_matnr FOR MATNR.

DATA:
  R_MATNR TYPE RANGE
          OF MATNR,
  WA_R_MT LIKE
          LINE OF R_MATNR.


REPORT Statement
Always define a message class in the REPORT statement:

REPORT /EMAX/RGTIST_TEST_PROG   
           NO STANDARD PAGE HEADING
              LINE-SIZE  164
              LINE-COUNT 65(2)
              MESSAGE-ID /EMAX/RGTIS_TST_MCLSS.

MESSAGE in function modules
Use MESSAGE ... RAISING <exception> in Function modules. The calling module should handle exceptions and process messages. Don't use MESSAGE otherwise in RFC function modules (the message statement has no effect in these circumstances).
MESSAGE within SELECT ... ENDSELECT
Issuing a MESSAGE within SELECT ... ENDSELECT loops will produce a short-dump. When the data is still needed after the select, use SELECT ... INTO TABLE ... and do checking after the select. If the data is not needed after the select, do checking within the SELECT ... ENDSELECT loop but send messages thereafter.
MESSAGE design
If you define messages the long text should help the user to analyze the situation and solve possible problems. Be specific enough.

If a message does not require a long-text, then mark it as 'self-explanatory'.

For reasons of translation do never combine text-elements to create a sentence. Sequence of words in a sentence might be completely different in another language.
Documentation
All form routines should have an initial remarks section where you describe:
  • What the form routine does
  • Input/output parameters

*&-----------------------------------------------------------------*
*&      Form GET_LAST_RUNDATE_TIME                                 *
*&-----------------------------------------------------------------*
* This form is to read table ZZLRT where last run time and date    *
* of this ABAP program is stored.                                  *
*------------------------------------------------------------------*
* Parameters / Tables:                                             *
* -->  FP_JOBID   Job name used to run this ABAP                   *
* <--  FP_REPID   ABAP name                                        *
*------------------------------------------------------------------*
FORM GET_LAST_RUNDATE_TIME
  USING
  FP_JOBID TYPE ty_jobid
  FP_REPID TYPE sy-repid.

  ...

ENDFORM         “Form GET_LAST_RUNDATE_TIME



Program Modifications
All program revisions (changes) must be well documented according to the following rules. Revisions should be documented at the beginning of the program as in the program template

Single line changes:
Copy the line and convert the original line to a comment line and note it with the revision number. Make the changes and then also mark the new line with the revision number.

FORM GET_LAST_RUNDATE_TIME
  USING
  FP_JOBID TYPE ty_jobid                    "MOD-001
  FP_REPID TYPE sy-repid.


Multiple line changes:
Add a comment line at the beginning and the end of the block to be changed, this comment should contain the revision number and Start/End of changes. The block to be changed should be copied. The original statements should be commented out, then changes should be made in the copied block of code.

FORM GET_LAST_RUNDATE_TIME
  USING
*MOD-001 BEGIN: <DESCRIPTION OF CHANGE>
   FP_JOBID TYPE ty_jobid                                    
   FP_REPID TYPE sy-repid.
*MOD-001 END  

Revision comments during development changes are not helpful. Too many revision comments make program harder to read.

Note: Modification numbers have to be unique within a function group or global class. Therefore a list of modifications for the function group must be placed in the top include.



             


                         

      10.  What is Code Review ?

                    Before we send the source Code for testing , it should be reviewed First to avoid
      the frequent changes in the Source Code.


                  Code Should be reviewed  by another Sr.Team Member. The Objective of the Source Code is to make sure that the Custom Program should follow both Naming and Coding Standards.

11.  What are the Different Types Of Projects in SAP ?

There are three types Of Projects in SAP.

    1. Implementation Project
    2. Upgradation      Project
    3. Support   Project


Implementation Project : 

SAP Project which starts from the Scratch i.e. Moving to the SAP Software from the Old System.

Which Contains all the below activities

            a) Configure the SAP System according to the Client’s Organizational Unit.

b) Gather the requirements from the end users and Fix  the GAPs (the differences between the Customer requirement and the solution   offered in SAP ) and Prepare  the Functional Specification.

     c)  Develop the Solutions either through configure the System or through Custom           developments (Programs).

d) Test the Configuration or Programs.

e)      Transport the Custom Developments to Quality/Testing Server.

f)       Test custom developments again  in the Testing Environment and transport it

g)      Transport it from Testing Server to Production Server.(Go-Live)

h)     End User Training.

Upgradation Project : 
            It Starts , After Completing the First level  Implementation , for the further
Developments and also to Change the Custom Programs to improve the Performance of the Programs and to Move from Current SAP Version to the Latest Version.


Activities :

1)      Develop the Custom Developments to meet the new Customer Requirements.

2)      Change the Existing Programs to Improve the Performance of the Custom Programs.

3)      Testing and Transportation is required here also.


            Support Project  :

            Note : This Phase Starts after Go-Live.

            The Projects , which supports the Client after Implementation. This is Post Go-live Activities.

            Activities :
           
1)      Provide the 24 * 7 Support to the Client/Customer’s  Day-to-Day Business.

2)      Analyze the Tickets/Issues .

3)       Solve the Tickets by changing the related Development.

4)      Test it and Migrate it
           

  1.  Whom to you Communicate for the Issues /  More information About  Functional Specification ?

To the Functional Owner (Functional Consultant ) who prepared the Functional Specification.


  1. When do you Communicate with End Users ?
Ans : In the Ideal Cases, The ABAPers  Never Communicate to the end users  from Off-shore. ABAPer Often Communicate with them from Onsite To check the technical feasibility of the user requirements .


  1. What is Go-Live Activity ?
Go-Live is the Activity of transporting custom Developments from

Testing Environment to the Production Environment.

  1.  What  is Full Life-Cycle Implementation ?

      Full Life-Cycle Implementation is , Transport the Custom  Developments from Development to Testing and from Testing to Production.

So that , in  One Project Implementation , We can Many Full-Life Cycle Implementations.


Ex : 
Migrating all the SD Custom Developments to Production ,(Cycle1)

      
  Migrating all the MM Custom Developments to Production , (Cycle2)


Migrating all the FI Custom Developments to Production (Cycle3),   etc.


  1.  What is  Change Request ?
It is not the different type of  transport request no.

And it is not at all a transport request.

The Functional Specification for the custom Development is Called Work Request and if the Specification is Changed  to meet the additional requirements then we call Changed Specification as Change Request.


  1.  What is the time required to Develop a Report ?
 It Completely depends on the Complexity of the Report.
     
                  It Can Start from 1 Days to <n> Days.
In General ,
       The Low Complexity report takes 1 to 3 Man Days,
                          The medium       Complexity report takes 4 to 7 Man Days,
                          The medium  Complexity report takes 7 to <n>  Man Days.

  1. What is Onsite and Offshore  ?

Onsite :  Is the Client’s Place. Some Functional Consultants and Senior Technical (ABAP) Consults works here.

Role of Functional Consultants 


a) Functional consultants Customize the SAP System i.e. Define the Client’s Organization Structure in SAP.

b) The Functional Consultants Discuss with the End Users and Gather the requirements and Analyze them and Suggest the already available Solutions in SAP and train them on the same at end of the Project Implementation through  End User Training.

c) Functional Consultants  Fix the GAPs (The Differences Between the Current Requirements and the Solutions available in SAP, Because the SAP Solutions may fit to the User Requirements Exactly.

d) Document the Above requirement i.e. FS(Functional Specification).

e) Test the Custom Development  with Functional Test Cases and also Prepare the Test Data .

ODC(Offshore Development Center ) :

Is the Software Organization which implements SAP for the Clients .

Ex: Satyam Computers, Infosys, CAP Gemini etc..


  1. What is Issue Log ?
Ans : It is the Document to Log all the Issues
                 
SNO
ISSUE
DEVLOPVER
RESOLUTION
DATE
1



28.06.07
 
And the Same will be sent to the Onsite for Resolution.


  1.  What is Flow of Work in your Project ?
Ans :  It Includes all the area where the ABAPer Involves.


ü  Receive the Functional Specification from Onsite.


ü  Either we receive the FS Directly from the Technical Consultant through Mail or we need to Download the Same from the Client’s Site If Available.

ü   Analyze the FS and Prepare the Brief and Detailed Technical Specification.

ü   Log the Issues in a Issue Log. (an EXCEL Document to Maintain the    Issues) and Send the same to the onsite.

ü   Send the TS to Onsite for Validation .Start the Coding Simultaneously.

ü  Discuss with Onsite people for the Issues Clarification if the Issues not resolved in time.(When the Issue is not turned back from Onsite with Solutions in Time).


ü  After Completion of the Source Code,

o   Send it for Code Review and Prepare the other Delivery Documents


ü   Rework  after Code review and Quality Check and Complete it.


ü  Inform to your team lead about the Completion  of the Same


     So that we can ask the Onsite People for Testing.


ü  Rework After Testing if Any.


ü   Release the Custom Development (Corresponding Request No) .



  1.  Who is your Team Lead , Project Lead, Project Manager ?
Ans : If Possible, try to gather the Correct information. If it is Really difficult to gather then give Some other friends details who can handle the situation effectively.


  1. Explain the Tickets in Support Projects ?

Ans :  The Issues that takes place after Go-Live(Support) are  Called Tickets.
            Tickets come into Picture in Support Projects Only.

Note :The Tickets are divided into the below types base on their  Complexity.

  1. Critical.
 

 2. Urgent.


  3. High.


  4. Medium


  5. Low.


The response times and resolution times again are defined based on the clients requirement and the charges and .


  1)      First Level Ticketing:


Not severe problem. Routine errors. Mostly handled by Service desk arrangement of the company (if have one).


Eg:

      a) Say Credit limit block in working on certain documents? 

      b) Pricing Condition Record not found even though conditions are maintained? 

      c) Unable to print a delivery document or Packing list?


Note :

 In the 4th phase of ASAP Implementation Methodology( i.e. Final Preparations for GO-LIVE) SAP has clearly specified that a Service desk needs to be arranged for any sort of Implementation for better handling of Production errors.
Service desk lies with in the client.


2)      Second Level Ticketing:

Some sort of serious problems. Those Could not be solved by Service Desk. Should be referred to the Service Company .

Eg: 
a) Credit Exposure (especially open values) doesn't update perfectly to KNKK Table.

b) Inter company Billing is taking a wrong value of the Bill.

c) Need a new order type to handle reservation process 

 d) New product has been added to our selling range. Need to include this into SAP. 

(Material Masters, Division attachments, Stock Handling etc.)


3)      Third Level Ticketing:

Problems could not be solved by both of the above, are referred to Online Service Support (OSS) of SAP Itself. SAP tries to solve the Problem, sometimes by providing the perfect OSS Notes, fits to the error and rarely SAP logs into our Servers (via remote log-on)for post mortem the problem.

 (The Medical check-up client, connections, Login id and Passwords stuff are to be provided to SAP whenever they need or at the time of opening OSS Message.)

There are lots of OSS Notes on each issue, SAP Top Notes and Notes explaining about the process of raising a OSS Message.

Sometimes SAP Charges to the client / Service company depending on the Agreement made at the time of buying License from SAP.

Eg: 1) Business Transaction for the Currency 'EUR' is not possible. Check OSS Note  - This comes at the time of making Billing.
      
2) Transaction MMPI- Periods cannot be opened – See OSS Note.
      There are many other examples on the issue.

4)      Fourth Level Ticketing:
Where rarely, problems reach this level.
Those problem needs may be re-engineering of the business process due to change in the Business strategy. Upgradation to new Version. 


27) What is Extended Program Check(EPC) ?

Ans 
Doing an EPC would ensure the removal of mistakles we tend to overlook when we do the code-walk-through or initial testing.

The program, although syntactically correct may have some unnecessary code, unused variables etc.



 
 
EPC, advantages are


With the help of EPC we can find out the 

1. Absolete(Out Dated)  stmts

2. Authorization checks

3. Problematic   Statements
4. Any hidden messages

through this we can increase the consistency of the program and the performance can also be increased.

 

For this Execute  SE38 then program then check à EPC


 
Difference Between  EPC and Code Inspector :
 
Code inspector is the tool that gives you a picture of what could be the pain points in terms of performance of the program. It tells you the execution time, etc, that determine the performance of the program.



 
SCI Checks for the following:


1)Syntactical check

2)Security check

3)Performance check

4)Search Function





Extended Program Check give information of the possible errors that can cause a short dump of the program during execution like Call function interface errors, Program interface errors, etc. Also info about the translations and texts is given in it


Extended Program check


1)Any obsolete statement used or not

2)Syntactical check

3)Any unused code in the program like routines


 
28)     What is ASAP Methodology?

Ans : The ASAP solution was developed to ensure the successful, on-time delivery of a project. SAP delivers the Accelerated SAP (ASAP) methodology for project management and system implementation.
Developed by SAP to optimize the success of implementing the SAP Business Suite, ASAP streamlines the implementation by providing templates, methods, tools, and accelerators that have been built on the success of thousands of previous SAP implementations.

The ASAP methodology adheres to a specific road map that addresses the following five general phases:

1. Project Preparation, in which the project team is identified and mobilized, the project standards are defined, and the project work environment is set up;

2. Blueprint, in which the business processes are defined and the business blueprint document is designed;

3. Realization, in which the system is configured, knowledge transfer occurs, extensive unit testing is completed, and data mappings and data requirements for migration are defined;

4. Final Preparation, in which final integration testing, stress testing, and conversion testing are conducted, and all end users are trained; and

5. Go-Live and Support, in which the data is migrated from the legacy systems, the new system is activated, and post-implementation support is provided.

ASAP incorporates standard design templates and accelerators covering every functional area within the system, as well as supporting all implementation processes.


29. What is Code Inspector ?

Ans : The Code Inspector (transaction code SCI) is a tool for checking Repository objects regarding performance, security, syntax, and adherence to name conventions.

Using the Code Inspector (transaction code SCI), you can check individual objects or Set Of Objects for performance, security, syntax, and adherence to name conventions.

There are messages that are always important, that always need action,
like:
-> performance error and warning messages regarding missing index support;

-> select single statements without fully qualified key

-> calling functions with a wrong interface (will lead to runtime errors)

-> submitting programs and calling transactions that do not exist

-> using obsolete statements (like on change) and functions (like ws_download)

-> subroutines with not typed formal parameters

-> bad error handling: no checking of return codes after SQL statements, CALL FUNCTION statements etc

-> inefficient internal table use (sequential access to internal tables

will lead to serious performance problems if the internal table is large and the access is done repeatedly)




30) What is OSS Note ?

Ans : Problems could not be solved by both of the above, are referred to Online Service Support (OSS) of SAP Itself. SAP tries to solve the Problem, sometimes by providing the perfect OSS Notes, fits to the error and rarely SAP logs into our Servers (via remote log-on)for post mortem the problem.

(The Medical check-up client, connections, Login id and Passwords stuff are to be provided to SAP whenever they need or at the time of opening OSS Message.)


There are lots of OSS Notes on each issue, SAP Top Notes and Notes explaining about the process of raising a OSS Message.


Sometimes SAP Charges to the client / Service company depending on the Agreement made at the time of buying License from SAP.


Note : We Can check all the available OSS Notes through SAP Transaction SNOTE.




If you have any real time interview questions on any SAP-ABAP topics share in below comment box or send me a mail : kiranguthaa@gmail.com





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