ABAP CDS View

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What is an ABAP CDS View?

An ABAP CDS (Core Data Services) view is a structured way to define and consume data
models within the SAP HANA database. It leverages SQL-based syntax to define complex data models and relationships, which are then processed directly in the database layer. This allows for optimized performance and reduces the need for extensive ABAP coding.

In SAP systems, the Core Data Services (CDS) framework is used to define reusable, semantically rich data models. One sort of CDS View specifically made for use with SAP’s ABAP-based systems, namely in SAP S/4HANA or SAP HANA environments, is called an ABAP CDS View.

To put it simply, you can develop virtual data models using ABAP CDS Views that can:

  • Combine, sort, and modify data from various tables.
  • Describe the connections between the entities.
  • Provide a method for retrieving and manipulating data that is efficient, reusable, and transparent.

Benefits of Using ABAP CDS Views

1.Performance: CDS views are processed on the database layer, making data retrieval
operations faster and more efficient.

2.Reusability: CDS views can be reused across different applications and services,
promoting consistent data handling.

3.Simplified Programming: Reduces the need for complex SQL queries within ABAP
programs.

4.Integration: CDS views can be integrated seamlessly with SAP Fiori and other SAP
applications.

How to Define an ABAP CDS View

1.  Create a CDS View: Use the ABAP Development Tools (ADT) in Eclipse to create a new
CDS view.
2.  Define the View: Use SQL-like syntax to define the data model, including selections, joins, and aggregations.
3.  Annotations: Add annotations to the view to control behavior, such as @OData.publish for exposure as an OData service.

@AbapCatalog.sqlViewName: 'ZMY_CDS_VIEW'
@AbapCatalog.compiler.compareFilter: true
@AccessControl.authorizationCheck: #CHECK
@EndUserText.label: 'My CDS View Example'
define view ZCDS_MY_VIEW as select from some_table

{
key field1,
field2,
field3
}

In this instance:

  • The underlying database view’s name is specified by the @AbapCatalog.sqlViewName annotation.
  • End users will see the description provided by the @EndUserText.label annotation.
  • By choosing the pertinent columns, the SELECT query retrieves data from the SFLIGHT table.

Consuming ABAP CDS Views

1.  In ABAP Programs: Use the SELECT statement to consume CDS views just like database
tables.
2.  In SAP Fiori: Expose the CDS view as an OData service using annotations and consume it in Fiori applications.
3.  In Reports and Analytics: Use CDS views as data sources for analytical queries and
reports.

Example of Consuming a CDS View in ABAP

DATA: lt_data TYPE TABLE OF zcds_my_view.
SELECT * FROM zcds_my_view INTO TABLE lt_data.
LOOP AT lt_data INTO DATA(ls_data).
WRITE: / ls_data-field1, ls_data-field2, ls_data-field3.
ENDLOOP.

Key Features of ABAP CDS Views

  • Declarative Data Modeling: CDS Views define entities, connections, and associations using a syntax akin to SQL. Developers may concentrate on “what” data to retrieve rather than “how” to retrieve it thanks to this declarative nature.
  • Integration with SAP HANA: CDS Views are made to take advantage of SAP HANA’s in-memory capabilities, which allow for quick data processing and sophisticated analytics.
  • The usage of annotations, which offer metadata about the data model, is permitted by CDS Views. To improve the reusability of the views in SAP Fiori or other user interfaces, annotations can be used to describe things like aggregate, query attributes, and UI elements.
  • Performance Optimization: Because CDS Views operate at the database layer, less ABAP layer processing is required. Performance is enhanced as a result, especially when handling big datasets or intricate queries.

Expose the CDS View via OData

To expose the CDS View as an OData service suitable for Fiori applications or other front-end solutions, you can create an OData Service based on the CDS View. This can be accomplished through the SAP Gateway.

  • Navigate to Transaction /IWFND/MAINT_SERVICE in SAP.
  • Associate the OData service with the CDS View to enable external systems to access the data.

Best Practices

  • Modularity: Break down complex views into smaller, reusable views.
  • Naming Conventions: Follow consistent naming conventions for easy identification and maintenance.
  • Documentation: Use annotations and comments to document the purpose and usage of each CDS view.
  • Performance Tuning: Analyze and optimize the performance of your CDS views using SQL performance tools.

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