SAP ABAP interview questions are designed to assess a candidate's proficiency in Advanced Business Application Programming (ABAP), the programming language used within the SAP ecosystem. These questions typically cover data dictionary objects, reports, module pool programming, and performance optimization techniques.

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Why do interviewers ask SAP ABAP questions?
The main purpose of SAP ABAP interview questions is to evaluate a candidate's technical expertise and problem-solving skills within the SAP environment. Interviewers ask these questions to ensure that the candidate can effectively develop and maintain SAP applications, thereby contributing to the organization's overall efficiency and success.
SAP ABAP interview questions
1. What is ABAP?
The term ABAP stands for Advanced Business Application Programming. It is a high-level programming language created by the German software company SAP SE. It is currently positioned together with Java as the programming language for the SAP NetWeaver Application Server which is part of the SAP NetWeaver platform for building business applications.
It is one of the many application-specific languages of the fourth generation and was developed in the 1980s.
2. How many ways can a SAP system be accessed?
Users can access a SAP system in two ways.
- Through SAP GUI
- Through a Web browser
This is called a front-end. User can install only the front-end, not the application databases server. Front-end accept the user's requests to the database server and application servers.
3. What is the Major difference between pool tables and transparent tables?
The major difference between the pool tables and the transparent tables is that the pool tables have many to one relationship with the database table, on the other hand, the transparent tables have one to one relationship with the same.
4. Define Structure in ABAP Data Dictionary?
The structure is a data object that is made up of components of various data type stored respectively in the memory. Structures are Just like a user-defined data type. It is like a table for the Data Dictionary and can be addressed from ABAP programs. The structure holds data at runtime.
5. What are the internal tables and Work Area?
Internal tables and work areas are temporary memory areas which are used to store data at run-time. These are the instances of database tables and Internal tables. Work Area is a standard data type object. These tables exist only during the execution of the program. It is used to perform table operations on subsets of database tables to re-organize the contents of database tables according to users need.
6. What is ITS? What are the merits of ITS?
ITS stands for Internet Transaction Server. It creates an interface between the HTTP server and R/3 system to convert screen provided data by the R/3 system into HTML documents and vice versa.
7. What is a foreign key relationship?
A foreign key relationship can be defined between tables and should be explicitly defined at the field level. Foreign keys are used to make sure the consistency of data. The entered data must be checked against existing data to ensure the contradiction. The Cardinality must be specified while defining a foreign key relationship. Cardinality represents how many dependent records and referenced records are possible.
8. Differentiate between ABAP memory and SAP memory.
The ABAP memory is treated as a memory area in which the ABAP program is availed in the internal section. Data is stored in the program calls. These program calls allow the data to be passed from one program calls to another.
It is possible to pass the data from one session to another by the SAP Memory. All the sessions of SAP GUI have suspected to the memory area known as SAP Memory. Data transfer from one session of the programming system to another session is effortless.
9. Mention the various databases integrities.
The different types of database integrities are as follows.
- Semantic Integrity
- Primary Key Integrity
- Relational Integrity
- Value Set Integrity
- Operational Integrity
- Foreign Key Integrity
10. Explain BADI in ABAP.
The term BADI stands for Business Add-In. It is a new SAP Object Oriented enhancement technique. BADI is used to implement our business functionality to the existing SAP standard functionality.
BADI's are available in SAP R/3 from the system release version 4.6c
BADI follows the Object-Oriented approach to reuse the enhancement technique. We can use a BADI many times.
11. What is Web Dynpro for ABAP?
Web Dynpro (WD) is a SAP web interface model for ABAP. It is used to develop web application in SAP. It provides a front-end user interface to connect directly to backend SAP R/3. It accesses data and function for reporting.
12. What do you mean by BDC (Batch Data Communications) programming?
BDC is an automatic procedure to forward massive or external data into the SAP system. Queue file is the essential component of the transfer. Queue files receive the data through batch input programs and groups that are affiliated into 'sessions.'
13. Describe the data classes?
The data classes can be classified into the following classes.
Master Data:
The data in the master class rarely change.
Transaction Data:
In the Transaction class, the data can be changed frequently.
Organization Data:
In Organize Data class, the data is a customized data and is entered into the system when the system is configured. It is rarely changed.
System Data:
The R/3 system itself uses this data.
14. What are the Differences between Macro and Subroutine?
Macros are only used in the program in which they are defined. The definition of macros can be expanded at compilation/generation.
Subroutines (FORM) can be called from any program, whether they are defined in or other programs.
A MACRO is an abbreviation for some lines of code that are used more than one time or two. It is a local subroutine.
Since debugging the MACRO is not possible, so we prevent the use of them. Use a FORM, if the subroutine is used as local only. For external use, use a FUNCTION.
15. Specify the types of Data Dictionary Objects.
There are various types of objects that are used in the SAP Data Dictionary space. A list of such objects is as follows.
- Tables
- Views
- Domain
- Data Element
- Type Groups
- Search Helps/Math Code Objects
- Lock Objects
- Structures
- Table Types
16. Differentiate Database Index and Match Code.
Database Index contains fields from only one table on the other hand; Match Code Objects can be built on cluster tables, transparent tables, and pooled tables.
17. Why do we use events and actions in Web Dynpro?
In Web Dynpro, events can be created to establish a connection between controllers. With the connection, one controller can be allowed to trigger events in other controllers. All events are organized in component controllers and available in particular components.
18. What is a Subroutine?
The subroutine is a reusable section of code. It is a customized unit within ABAP programs where functions are encapsulated in the form of their source code. A part of a program can be called out to a subroutine for getting a better overview of the main program.
19. Difference between user exit and BADIs?
User exit is used for single implementation, and it is a procedural approach. In the case of BADIs, they are used for multiple implementations and object-oriented approaches.
Here multiple implementations mean Reusability of the object.
20. What are some Control break events in ABAP?
Some control break events are as follows.
AT-FIRST:
This event is used to execute the statements before records are processed.
AT-LAST:
This event is used to execute the statements after all records are processed.
AT-NEW:
This event is used to execute the statement before the collection of records are processed.
AT-END:
This event is used to execute the statements after processing of a group of records.
21. What does an extract statement do in the ABAP program?
An extract dataset contains a sequence of records. These records may have different structures.
A record type is a format of all records with the same structure. The first extract statement creates the extract dataset and adds the first extract record to it.
22. What is ABAP and how does it differ from other programming languages?
- Start by defining ABAP as SAP's proprietary programming language used for developing applications within the SAP ecosystem.
- Highlight its integration with SAP modules and its ability to handle complex business processes.
- Compare its unique features, such as built-in database connectivity and specialized data types, with those of other programming languages.
23. How can you debug a script form?
To debug a script form, you have to follow
SE71–>give the form name->utilities->activate debugger
24. Write a simple ABAP program to display "Hello, World!" on the screen.
- Begin by explaining the basic structure of an ABAP program, including the REPORT statement.
- Describe the use of the WRITE statement to display text on the screen.
- Conclude by providing a simple code snippet that outputs "Hello, World!" using these elements.
25. What are data dictionary objects in ABAP? Give examples.
- Define data dictionary objects as metadata descriptions of database objects in SAP.
- Explain their role in managing database definitions and ensuring data integrity.
- Provide examples such as tables, views, data elements, and domains.
26. Explain the concept of modularization in ABAP. What are the different types?
- Define modularization as the process of dividing a program into smaller, manageable units.
- Explain that it enhances code readability, reusability, and maintainability.
- List the different types, such as subroutines, function modules, and methods.
27. Write a function module that takes two numbers as input and returns their sum.
- Explain the purpose of the function module and its inputs and outputs.
- Describe the steps to create the function module in the ABAP Workbench.
- Provide a simple code snippet that demonstrates the function module's implementation.
28. What is an internal table in ABAP? How do you declare and use it?
- Define an internal table as a temporary table stored in the memory that is used to manipulate and process data within an ABAP program.
- Explain that you declare an internal table using the
DATA
statement followed by the table type and structure. - Describe how to use the internal table by performing operations such as inserting, modifying, and looping through its entries.
29. Write an ABAP program to sort an internal table based on a specific field.
- Explain the purpose of sorting an internal table and its importance in data processing.
- Describe the use of the
SORT
statement to sort the internal table based on a specific field. - Provide a simple code snippet that demonstrates the sorting of an internal table by a specific field.
30. Explain the difference between SELECT SINGLE and SELECT ALL in ABAP.
- Define
SELECT SINGLE
as a statement that retrieves only one record from the database. - Explain that
SELECT ALL
retrieves all matching records from the database table. - Highlight the performance implications, noting that
SELECT SINGLE
is generally faster for fetching a single record.
31. Write a code snippet to update a record in a database table using ABAP.
- Explain the purpose of updating a record in a database table.
- Describe the use of the
UPDATE
statement to modify the record. - Provide a simple code snippet that demonstrates the update operation.
32. What are the different types of loops in ABAP? Provide examples.
- Define the different types of loops available in ABAP, such as
DO
,WHILE
, andLOOP AT
. - Explain the use case for each type of loop in a single sentence.
- Provide a simple code snippet for each loop type to illustrate its usage.
33. Write an ABAP program to create a simple report that lists all employees from the EMPLOYEE table.
- Explain the purpose of creating a report to list all employees from the EMPLOYEE table.
- Describe the use of the
SELECT
statement to fetch data from the EMPLOYEE table. - Provide a simple code snippet that demonstrates the report generation using a
LOOP
statement to display the data.
34. Write a code snippet to handle exceptions in ABAP.
- Explain the importance of exception handling in ensuring robust code execution.
- Describe the use of the
TRY
,CATCH
, andENDTRY
statements in ABAP. - Provide a simple code snippet that demonstrates handling an exception using these statements.
35. What is the purpose of the "DATA" statement in ABAP? Provide examples.
- Define the "DATA" statement as a way to declare variables in ABAP.
- Explain that it specifies the type and structure of the variable.
- Provide a simple example, such as
DATA: lv_count TYPE I.
36. Write an ABAP program to delete records from a database table based on a condition.
- Explain the purpose of deleting records from a database table based on a condition.
- Describe the use of the
DELETE
statement to remove records that meet the specified condition. - Provide a simple code snippet that demonstrates the deletion operation using the
WHERE
clause.
37. Explain the use of the "SELECT FOR UPDATE" statement in ABAP.
- Define the "SELECT FOR UPDATE" statement as a way to lock selected rows in the database for update.
- Explain that it ensures data consistency by preventing other transactions from modifying the locked rows.
- Provide a simple example, such as
SELECT * FROM ztable FOR UPDATE.
38. Write a code snippet to concatenate two strings in ABAP.
- Explain the purpose of concatenating two strings in ABAP.
- Describe the use of the
CONCATENATE
statement to join the strings. - Provide a simple code snippet that demonstrates the concatenation operation.
39. What are the different types of data types available in ABAP? Provide examples.
- Define the different types of data types available in ABAP, such as elementary, complex, and reference types.
- Explain that elementary types include predefined types like
CHAR
,NUMC
, andDEC
. - Provide examples of complex types like structures and internal tables, and reference types like object references and data references.
40. Write an ABAP program to implement a simple ALV (ABAP List Viewer) report.
- Explain the purpose of creating an ALV report to display data in a structured format.
- Describe the use of the
REUSE_ALV_GRID_DISPLAY
function module to generate the ALV report. - Provide a simple code snippet that demonstrates the implementation of the ALV report using this function module.
41. Explain the concept of object-oriented programming in ABAP. What are its key features?
- Define object-oriented programming (OOP) as a programming paradigm based on the concept of objects.
- Explain that OOP in ABAP allows for encapsulation, inheritance, and polymorphism.
- Highlight the benefits of OOP, such as improved code reusability, maintainability, and scalability.
42. Write an ABAP program to read data from an external file and display it in the console.
- Explain the purpose of reading data from an external file and displaying it in the console.
- Describe the use of the
OPEN DATASET
statement to read the file. - Provide a simple code snippet that demonstrates reading the file and displaying its contents using a
WRITE
statement.
43. Mention what are the two methods of modifying SAP standard tables?
There are two methods for modifying SAP standard tables
a) Append structures
b) Customizing includes
44. List down the functional modules used in sequence in BDC?
There are 3 functional modules which are used in sequence to perform data transfer successfully using BDC programming. They are
a) BDC_OPEN_GROUP
b) BDC_INSERT
c) BDC_CLOSE_GROUP
45. In ABAP what are the differences between table and structure in data dictionary?
The difference between structure and table in ABAP
a) Data can be stored physically in Table, but a structure cannot
b) Structure does not have primary key but table can have
c) Table can have the technical attribute but the structure does not have
46. How can you format the data before write statement in the report?
By using the loop event the reports output can be formatted
a) .at first
b) .at new
c) .at last
47. Mention what is ALV programming in ABAP? When is this grid used in ABAP?
ALV stands for Application List Viewer. To enhance the output of the report, SAP provides a set of ALV function modules which can be used, and it also improves the functionality and readability of any report output. It is an efficient tool used for arranging the columns in a report output.
48. When do we use End-of-selection?
End of the selection event is mostly used when we are writing HR-ABAP code. In the HR-ABAP code, data is retrieved in the start of selection event and printing on the list and all will be done at the end of the selection event.
49. Mention the difference between ABAP and OOABAP? In what situation do you use OOABAP?
ABAP is used to develop traditional programs in R/3, while OOABAP is used to develop BSP/ PCUI applications and also anything that an involved object oriented like BADI’s and SmartForms etc.
50. How data is stored in cluster table?
A cluster table contains data from multiple DDIC tables. It stores data as name value pair.
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