Key Takeaways
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Clear understanding of Classical ABAP vs ABAP on HANA and their main differences
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Step-by-step explanation of modern ABAP features like CDS Views, AMDP, and Fiori integration
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Real-world examples showing performance improvements and practical usage
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Insights on when to use classical vs HANA-optimized ABAP in S/4HANA projects
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Tips for functional and techno-functional consultants to bridge the gap with technical teams
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Top FAQs addressing common doubts about ABAP on HANA adoption
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Practical guidance for career growth and S/4HANA project readiness
In the SAP world, ABAP is still the backbone of every business process. But ever since SAP moved to HANA, the way we write ABAP has completely changed. And honestly. it’s not just about “speed”. It’s a mindset shift.
You can think of it like this:
- Classical ABAP = Traditional development (focus on app layer)(
- ABAP on HANA = Modern development (focus on DB + in-memory processing)
What Exactly is Classical ABAP?
The traditional approach used in ECC systems where:
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Business logic sits in the application layer
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Open SQL statements do the heavy lifting
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Database performance is not the main priority
What is ABAP on HANA? (Modern ABAP)
ABAP on HANA is the optimized way of using ABAP by leveraging the in-memory power of the HANA database. It introduces a “code pushdown” philosophy — logic runs directly at the DB layer using CDS Views, AMDP, etc.
Traditional ABAP vs ABAP on HANA — What’s the Real Difference?
| Feature / Aspect | Classical ABAP | ABAP on HANA |
|---|---|---|
| Logic Execution | Application Server | Database Layer |
| Toolset | Open SQL | CDS / AMDP / HANA SQL |
| Performance | Medium | High |
| Real-Time Analytics | No | Yes |
| Recommended System | ECC | S/4HANA |
| Development Tool | SE80 / SE38 | Eclipse (ADT) |
| Fiori Compatibility | Limited | Fully Supported |
| CDS Annotations | Not Available | Available |
| Reporting Approach | ABAP Reports / ALV | CDS Queries / KPI Tiles |
| Performance Tuning Tools | ST05 / Runtime Analysis | SQL Trace / PlanViz |
| Large Data Processing | Loops in ABAP Layer | In-memory Aggregation |
| DB Vendor Independence | Yes (Open SQL) | HANA-focused |
| Calculation Views Support | No | Yes (via CDS) |
| Data Transfer Amount | High | Low |
Real-World Example
Classical ABAP:
Nested SELECT … ENDSELECT loops to fetch MARA, MARC & MBEW data → slow & resource heavy.
ABAP on HANA:
Create a CDS view combining MARA, MARC & MBEW → consume directly → 10x faster.
Practical Use Cases
| Use Case | Classical ABAP | ABAP on HANA |
|---|---|---|
| Material Stock Report | Multiple SELECTs | CDS Cube / Query |
| Customer Open Items | ABAP Loops on BSEG | CDS View + Fiori KPI |
| MRP Enhancements | ABAP BADI Logic | AMDP (Mass Update) |
Key Benefits
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Lightning-fast performance even with large transactional data
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Real-time analytics and embedded reporting
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Optimized processing — heavy logic executed directly at DB layer
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Less data transfer, better resource utilization
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Designed for S/4 HANA & Fiori – future-proof your skills
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Better transparency and maintainability with CDS & AMDP
Learning ABAP on HANA equips you to work efficiently in S/4HANA projects, understand performance impacts, bridge functional and technical roles, and deliver faster, real-time solutions that add value to your organization.
Top FAQs
1. Is ABAP on HANA a completely new language?
No. It’s the same ABAP language, but with added features like CDS Views, AMDP and SQLScript to leverage the HANA database.
2. Can classical ABAP code run on HANA systems?
Yes, classical code will still run on HANA. However, it won’t be optimised for performance unless you apply code pushdown techniques.
3. Do we need to rewrite our entire code base for S/4HANA?
Not at all. You can gradually optimise the custom programs that deal with large data sets or have reporting/analytics logic.
4. What is the main advantage of code pushdown?
It reduces data transfer between application and database layers by executing heavy logic directly on the database — which improves speed and resource usage.
5. Are CDS Views mandatory in S/4HANA projects?
Yes. CDS Views are the standard foundation for analytical queries, Fiori applications and embedded reporting in S/4HANA.
6. Do developers need to learn SQLScript and HANA Studio?
Basic SQLScript knowledge is helpful, but ABAP developers mainly work with CDS Views and AMDP in Eclipse (ADT).
7. Can we still use Open SQL in ABAP on HANA?
Yes. Open SQL is still supported. But for complex joins, aggregations and reporting – CDS/AMDP is recommended.
8. Which reports should be optimised first in classical systems?
Start with long-running reports (like ZMRP, ZMB52, ZFBL3N) and those that read large tables such as BSEG, MARA, MKPF, etc.
9. Is ABAP on HANA only for Fiori apps?
No. It’s used for both traditional displays (ALV) and modern Fiori apps — anything that requires fast and optimised data processing.
10. How long does it take for a classical ABAP developer to upskill?
With proper hands-on training, most developers can learn CDS & AMDP concepts in 4–6 weeks.
Both Classical ABAP and ABAP on HANA have their place —But if you want to excel in S/4 HANA environments and build next-gen SAP applications, it’s time to adopt the ABAP on HANA way of thinking.
Interested in learning how to build CDS Views, AMDPs and pushdown logic in real-time?
📞 Contact Ageis Technova – and start mastering modern ABAP today.
