SAP ABAP Developer mock interview questions and answers.

Here are some mock interview questions and answers specifically tailored for an SAP
ABAP Developer role:

1. Core ABAP Programming

Question: What is the difference between `READ TABLE` and `LOOP AT` in ABAP?

Answer:

- READ TABLE: This is used to search for a specific entry in an internal table. You
can specify the key or use an index to locate the desired row. It’s efficient when
you want to retrieve a single row based on a condition.

- LOOP AT: This statement is used to iterate over all the entries in an internal
table or over a specific range. It's suitable when you need to process or modify
each entry in the internal table. While `READ TABLE` is focused on finding a
specific entry, `LOOP AT` allows you to work with multiple entries.

2. Data Dictionary

Question: What are the key components of the SAP Data Dictionary, and why are they
important?

Answer:

The key components of the SAP Data Dictionary are:

- Tables: Store data physically in the database. They define the structure and
relationships of data.

- Views: Virtual tables that represent data from one or more tables. They are used
for data retrieval without storing data separately.

- Data Elements: Define the type and description of individual fields in tables or
structures.

- Domains: Define the value range, data type, and length for a field. It ensures
data consistency across the system.

- Search Helps: Facilitate input assistance (like F4 help) to users for entering
field values.
- Lock Objects: Manage database concurrency by locking records during transaction
processing.

These components are essential for defining and managing the data structure,
ensuring data integrity, and facilitating data retrieval in SAP.

3. ABAP Reports

Question: How do you create a basic ALV report in ABAP?

Answer:

To create a basic ALV (ABAP List Viewer) report:

1. Declare the Internal Table: Define the internal table that will hold the data to
be displayed.

2. Populate the Internal Table: Use SELECT statements to fetch data from the
database and populate the internal table.

3. Create Field Catalog: Define the structure of the ALV report, including the
columns and their properties.

4. Display the Report: Use the `REUSE_ALV_GRID_DISPLAY` function module or the

Example Code:

```abap

DATA: lt_data TYPE TABLE OF your_structure,

lt_fieldcat TYPE slis_t_fieldcat_alv.

Populate internal table lt_data

SELECT FROM your_table INTO TABLE lt_data.

Populate field catalog lt_fieldcat (can be done manually or using FM)

CALL FUNCTION 'REUSE_ALV_FIELDCATALOG_MERGE'

EXPORTING
 i_structure_name = 'YOUR_STRUCTURE'

CHANGING

ct_fieldcat = lt_fieldcat.

Display ALV

CALL FUNCTION 'REUSE_ALV_GRID_DISPLAY'

EXPORTING

it_fieldcat = lt_fieldcat

TABLES

t_outtab = lt_data.

```

4. Modularization Techniques

Question: What is the purpose of using Modularization in ABAP, and what techniques
are commonly used?

Answer:

Modularization in ABAP is used to break down complex programs into smaller,

Common techniques include:

- Subroutines (FORM/ENDFORM): Used for internal code reuse within the same program.

- Function Modules: Globally accessible and can be reused across different

- Methods in Classes (OOP): Part of object-oriented programming in ABAP, allowing

- Includes: Used to include external code files in a program, often used for
modularizing large codebases.

5. Enhancements and Modifications

Answer:

The main types of enhancements in SAP are:

- User Exits: Allow custom code to be inserted into SAP standard programs. They are
procedural and mainly used in older SAP systems.

- Customer Exits: Similar to User Exits but are implemented as function modules.
They are easier to manage and maintain than direct code changes.

- BADIs (Business Add-Ins): Object-oriented enhancements that allow multiple

- Enhancement Points and Sections: Part of the Enhancement Framework that allows
developers to enhance SAP standard code without modification. They provide
predefined hooks where custom code can be inserted.

- Implicit and Explicit Enhancements: Implicit enhancements are predefined in SAP

You would choose the enhancement type based on the requirement, the SAP version,
and the need for future upgrades. BADIs and the Enhancement Framework are preferred
for their flexibility and maintainability.

6. Smart Forms & SAP Scripts

Question: How do you migrate SAP Scripts to Smart Forms?

Answer:

To migrate SAP Scripts to Smart Forms:

1. Use the Transaction SMARTFORMS: Create a new Smart Form based on the existing
SAP Script layout.

2. Import the SAP Script Layout: There is a tool within the Smart Forms transaction
that allows importing the SAP Script layout. This tool converts the layout to a
Smart Form automatically.

3. Adjust the Layout: Review the imported layout and make necessary adjustments to
align it with the desired output.

4. Adjust Logic: Any logic embedded in SAP Scripts (like print program logic)
should be migrated to the Smart Form's Form Routines or passed through the
interface.

5. Test the Output: Test the Smart Form thoroughly to ensure that it replicates the
SAP Script’s functionality.
 7. ABAP Objects (OOP)

Question: What are the key concepts of Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) in ABAP?

Answer:

Key concepts of OOP in ABAP include:

- Classes and Objects: A class is a blueprint that defines attributes (data) and
methods (functions) that an object (instance of the class) will have.

- Encapsulation: Hiding the internal details of an object and exposing only the
necessary parts through public methods.

- Inheritance: A mechanism where a new class (subclass) can inherit attributes and
methods from an existing class (superclass). This promotes code reuse.

- Polymorphism: Allows objects of different classes to be treated as objects of a

- Abstraction: Simplifying complex systems by modeling classes based on real-world

OOP in ABAP helps in creating more structured, reusable, and maintainable code.

8. Performance Tuning

Question: How would you approach performance tuning in an ABAP program?

Answer:

To tune performance in an ABAP program:

- Optimize Database Access: Minimize database calls, especially within loops. Use
appropriate indexes, and prefer SELECT statements that retrieve only required
fields.

- Use Efficient Internal Tables: Choose the correct type of internal table
(standard, sorted, or hashed) based on the operations needed. Avoid unnecessary
table copies.

- Use Parallel Processing: For large volumes of data, consider parallel processing
using background jobs.

- Minimize Data Transfers: Reduce the volume of data transferred between the
application server and the database by using appropriate WHERE clauses and avoiding
SELECT .

- Buffering: Use SAP table buffering when appropriate to reduce database load.
- Performance Analysis Tools: Use tools like ST12, ST05 (SQL trace), and SAT (ABAP
runtime analysis) to identify performance bottlenecks and areas for improvement.

9. Interfaces & Data Transfer

Question: What are the different methods for transferring data between SAP systems
or between SAP and non-SAP systems?

Answer:

Common methods for data transfer include:

- IDocs (Intermediate Documents): Used for asynchronous data transfer between SAP
systems or SAP and non-SAP systems. Suitable for large volume data exchange.

- BAPIs (Business Application Programming Interfaces): Standardized methods for

- RFC (Remote Function Call): Allows functions to be called in a remote SAP system.
It supports both synchronous and asynchronous communication.

- File Interfaces: Involves transferring data through flat files (e.g., CSV, XML).
This method is common for batch processing or interfacing with legacy systems.

- ALE (Application Link Enabling): A technology that enables the distribution of

- Web Services: Used for exchanging data over the internet using SOAP or REST
protocols. It’s suitable for integrating SAP with modern cloud-based applications.

10. Debugging

Question: How do you debug a program in SAP?

Answer:

To debug a program in SAP:

1. Set Breakpoints: Use the transaction SE38 or SE80 to open the program and set
breakpoints at relevant lines of code. Dynamic breakpoints can also be set using
`/h` in the command field during execution.

2. Run the Program: Execute the program. The debugger will stop at the breakpoints,
allowing you to step through the code.

3. Analyze Variables: Use the debugger to inspect variables, internal tables, and
the call stack. This helps in understanding the program flow and identifying
issues.

4. Watchpoints: Set watchpoints to halt execution when a specific variable changes

5. Check System Fields: System fields like SY-SUBRC, SY-TABIX, etc., can provide
valuable information about the execution state.

6. Single-Step Execution: Use step-in, step-over, and step-out options to control

7. Modify Values: During debugging, you can modify variable values to test
different scenarios without changing the actual program code.

These questions and answers should help you prepare for a typical SAP ABAP
Developer interview, focusing on your technical skills and ability to troubleshoot
and optimize ABAP programs.