SAP ABAP: Mastering the New Syntax

SAP has introduced a modern approach to programming in SAP ABAP from ABAP 7.40 onwards. Often referred to as the 'New Syntax', the modern approach aims at creating an expression-oriented language. There are various new elements introduced and let's try to understand this with simple examples in this course.

Why learn New ABAP syntax?

Answer the below simple question if you think it is only a New ABAP syntax course you already know, and then check if you need this course.  The answer is given at the end.

Que. Value in sy-tabix?

itab =

col1 col2

1       val1

2      val2

3      val3       

wa = itab[ col1 = 2 col2 = val2 ].

If sy-subrc EQ 0.

Write: sy-tabix.

End if.

• The new ABAP syntax introduces several new language elements, making it more expressive and powerful. For example, constructor expressions, table expressions, and inline declarations allow you to write more concise and expressive code.

• It is important to stay up to date with the latest developments in ABAP syntax to utilize its capabilities fully. For example, New Open SQL syntax supports SAP HANA built-in functions. You can write select queries with CASE expression, arithmetic expressions and arithmetic functions.

• Learning the new ABAP syntax can help you write better, more efficient, and more maintainable code.

What will you learn in this course?

We will discuss the topics below in 2 parts: Theory and Practice.

• Inline Declaration

• Table Expressions

• Value Operator

• FOR expressions

• CORRESPONDING Operator

• REDUCE Operator

• COND and SWITCH Operator

• STRING Expressions

• EXACT Operator

• CONV Operator

• NEW Operator

• REF Operator

• CAST Operator

• Filter operator

• Open SQL vs New Open SQL

• SELECT query with CASE expression, Arithmetic Expression and SAP HANA built-in functions.

• Common Table Expression (CTE) in ABAP SQL

• Reverse looping using STEP addition

Why Learn New ABAP Syntax with Us?

• A new ABAP syntax is designed to simplify the life of an ABAP developer, but without knowing the proper functionality, it can be disastrous. For example, let's consider we have an ITAB internal table with 5 records, and the code gets into a situation where it is reading a record at index 6.

  Old syntax: READ TABLE itab INTO wa INDEX indx

  New syntax: wa = itab[ indx ].

  With old syntax, if you didn't get the record for index 6, just sy-subrc will fail and nothing will go wrong but with the new syntax, the program leads to a short dump.  In detail explanations in the course will help you understand all such important things.

• No extra talk, straight to the point in detailed explanations with theory and practice sessions.

• You will learn by comparing old syntax with new syntax for better understanding.

• We have kept examples simple to understand in one go.

• You will get all the ABAP programs discussed in the course for your practice and quick reference.

• All the videos are less than 10 mins to keep you focused.

• Test what you have learned through MCQs.

A few facts related to the New ABAP syntax:

• The new syntaxes have been added without removing the old syntax i.e., it's with backward compatibility.

• Not necessary to have a HANA database.

• Can be practiced on ECC and S/4 HANA systems.

To make the best of this course

1. Get access to an ABAP system and practice on it.

2. Follow the order in which lectures are arranged.

3. Based on the title, feel free to skip certain parts.

UPDATES:

09/24/2024: For folks who prefer reading over videos, we have added articles that cover theory in simple words along with code and output screenshots

02/29/2024: use AI ChatGPT to learn New Syntax

Answer to the question asked:  table expression doesn't modify system variable sy-subrc or sy-tabix .

sy-tabix = 0

Happy Learning!