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SAP has introduced a modern approach to programming in40 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 to 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       

Read more

SAP has introduced a modern approach to programming in40 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 to 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 You can write select queries with CASE expression, arithmetic expression 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 on all the below topics in 2 parts, Theory and Practice.

  • Inline Declaration

  • Table Expressions

  • Value Operator

  • FOR expressions

  • Common Table Expression (CTE) in ABAP SQL

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 ITAB internal table with 5 records and the code gets into a situation where it is reading record at index 6.

    Old syntax:

    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.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Detailed understanding of new sap abap syntax
  • Effective use of new sap abap syntax in report
  • Comparing old and new syntax for better understanding
  • Working of new abap features introduced nw 7.40 onwards
  • How to use ai chatgpt to learn and understand new syntax
  • How to use ai chatgpt to convert old syntax to new syntax
  • Inline declaration operators: data, final
  • Expressions: for, cte, string, table
  • Operators: value, corresponding, reduce, cond, switch, exact, conv, cast, filter, ref, new
  • Internal table as data source in select query

Syllabus

Introduction
Article
Open SQL vs NEW Open SQL syntax
Open SQL vs NEW Open SQL syntax: Theory
Read more
Open SQL vs NEW Open SQL syntax: Practice
Practice ABAP Code
Quiz
FOR expressions
Inline Declarations
Inline Data Declaration: Theory 1
Inline Data Declaration: Theory 2
Inline Data Declaration: Practice
FOR Expressions: Theory
Table Expressions
Table Expressions: Theory
Table Expressions: Practice
FILTER Operator
COND and SWITCH Operator
VALUE Operator
VALUE Operator: Theory
VALUE Operator: Practice
FOR Expressions: Practice
COND and SWITCH operator: Theory
COND and SWITCH operator: Practice
CORRESPONDING Operator
CORRESPONDING operator: Theory
CORRESPONDING operator: Practice
EXACT Operator
REDUCE Operator
Reduce Operator: Theory
Reduce operator: Practice
CONV Operator
STRING Expressions
STRING Expressions: Theory
STRING Expressions: Practice
EXACT Operator: Theory
EXACT Operator: Practice
FILTER Operator: Theory
CONV operator: Theory and Practice
NEW Instance Operator: Theory and Practice
FILTER Operator: Practice
Object Oriented ABAP
Article - NEW
REF Operator: Theory and Practice
Aricle - REF
CAST operator and IS INSTANCE OF expression: Theory
CAST operator and IS INSTANCE OF expression: Practice
Article - CAST
Common Table Expression (CTE) in ABAP SQL
Common Table Expression (CTE): Theory
Common Table Expression (CTE): Practice
AI ChatGPT to learn New Syntax
Internal table as a Data Source in SELECT query
Internal table as a Data Source in SELECT query: Theory
Internal table as a Data Source in SELECT query: Practice

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Covers features introduced in NW 7.40 onwards, which allows developers to leverage the latest advancements in the ABAP language and environment
Compares old and new syntax, which helps developers transition smoothly and understand the benefits of the modern approach to ABAP programming
Includes practice ABAP code and quizzes, which reinforces learning and allows developers to test their understanding of the new syntax
Teaches inline declarations, table expressions, and various operators, which are essential for writing concise and efficient ABAP code
Explores the use of AI ChatGPT to learn and convert old syntax to new syntax, which introduces a modern approach to learning and code migration
Requires access to an ABAP system for practice, which may pose a barrier for learners without existing SAP infrastructure or cloud access

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Save SAP ABAP: Mastering the New Syntax to your list so you can find it easily later:
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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in SAP ABAP: Mastering the New Syntax with these activities:
Review ABAP Fundamentals
Reinforce your understanding of basic ABAP syntax and concepts before diving into the new syntax.
Show steps
  • Review ABAP data types, variables, and operators.
  • Practice writing simple ABAP programs.
  • Familiarize yourself with the ABAP Workbench.
Review 'ABAP Objects'
Solidify your understanding of ABAP Objects, which is essential for effectively using the new ABAP syntax.
Show steps
  • Read the chapters on ABAP Objects fundamentals.
  • Study the examples and try them out in your ABAP system.
  • Focus on the concepts of classes, objects, inheritance, and polymorphism.
Convert Old Syntax to New Syntax
Practice converting existing ABAP code from old syntax to the new syntax to gain proficiency.
Show steps
  • Select a set of ABAP programs using the old syntax.
  • Convert the code to the new syntax using the concepts learned in the course.
  • Test the converted code to ensure it functions correctly.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Create a Cheat Sheet for New ABAP Syntax
Consolidate your knowledge by creating a cheat sheet summarizing the new ABAP syntax elements and their usage.
Show steps
  • Review the course materials on new ABAP syntax.
  • Organize the information into a concise and easy-to-understand format.
  • Include examples of how to use each syntax element.
Develop a Report Using New ABAP Syntax
Apply your knowledge by developing a complete ABAP report using the new syntax features.
Show steps
  • Define the requirements for the report.
  • Design the report layout and data flow.
  • Implement the report using the new ABAP syntax.
  • Test the report thoroughly.
Study 'ABAP Development for SAP HANA'
Explore ABAP development techniques optimized for SAP HANA to enhance performance.
Show steps
  • Read the chapters on HANA-optimized ABAP development.
  • Understand the concepts of code pushdown and data modeling.
  • Explore the use of new ABAP syntax in HANA scenarios.
Help Others on Forums
Reinforce your understanding by helping other students with their questions and challenges related to the new ABAP syntax.
Show steps
  • Monitor ABAP forums for questions related to the new syntax.
  • Provide helpful and accurate answers to the questions.
  • Share your knowledge and experience with others.

Career center

Learners who complete SAP ABAP: Mastering the New Syntax will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
SAP Developer
A SAP Developer builds and maintains applications within the SAP ecosystem, often using the ABAP programming language. This course, which focuses on mastering the new ABAP syntax, is particularly useful for a SAP Developer because it covers the modern approach to programming in SAP. The course provides a detailed understanding of new elements in the language, including inline declarations, table expressions, and various operators, which are essential for writing efficient and maintainable code. The course's emphasis on comparing old and new syntax helps a SAP Developer understand the practical implications of adopting modern coding practices. Moreover, the knowledge to convert old syntax into the new syntax would allow a SAP Developer to update and maintain legacy systems of SAP.
Application Developer
An application developer designs and builds software applications. This role often requires specific platform knowledge. For those working with SAP, understanding SAP ABAP is essential. This course focuses on the new ABAP syntax, which is critical for writing modern, efficient code. The course's curriculum introduces several new language elements, including constructor expressions, inline declarations, and table expressions. This will help an Application Developer build more concise code. This course's approach of comparing the old and new syntax is particularly useful for Application Developers because they often encounter legacy code that needs to be updated and maintained. The course makes a good case for why a developer must adopt the new syntax in their work.
Technical Lead
A technical lead manages a team of developers and ensures projects are completed efficiently. In organizations that use SAP, technical leads benefit from a deep understanding of ABAP. This course is helpful to a Technical Lead because it covers the new ABAP syntax that developers may be using. The course's detailed overview of new features, like inline declarations, table expressions, and various operators, can help a technical lead guide their team and make informed technical decisions. The comparison of old and new syntax is also beneficial because the technical lead is often responsible for keeping legacy systems working while adopting newer methods.
Software Engineer
A software engineer designs, develops, and tests software systems. While this role is broad, knowledge of specific languages like ABAP can be highly valuable in organizations that use SAP software. This course introduces new ABAP syntax, which helps build a foundation for creating more expressive, powerful, and maintainable code within SAP environments. The course's curriculum on topics such as inline declaration, table expressions, and common table expressions helps a Software Engineer write better queries, thus enhancing their ability to work on SAP-based projects. Understanding the efficiency considerations of the new syntax, as taught in this course, is crucial for a Software Engineer.
Integration Specialist
An integration specialist designs and implements systems that allow different software applications to communicate with each other. When working within SAP, this role requires a solid understanding of ABAP. This course, which focuses on the new ABAP syntax, is useful for an Integration Specialist because it covers the modern programming approach. The course's detailed coverage of new features like inline declarations, table expressions, and various operators can help design effective integrations. The course's comparative method of old and new syntax also gives the specialist the needed perspective to handle legacy systems while implementing the latest technologies.
Technical Architect
A technical architect designs the technical structure of IT systems. For SAP-focused architects, understanding ABAP is critical. This course, which covers the new ABAP syntax, helps a Technical Architect understand the modern programming standards and capabilities of SAP. The course’s focus on new features like inline declarations, table expressions, and common table expressions can help design efficient and scalable SAP solutions. This course is valuable because it keeps a Technical Architect up to date with the latest methods. The knowledge of different operators gives useful background to make design decisions related to SAP systems and also to advise SAP developers.
Systems Analyst
A systems analyst investigates computer systems to determine how they can be improved. This often requires a good understanding of programming. While a systems analyst may not write code, knowing new ABAP syntax, as covered in this course, will help the role understand how SAP applications are built, maintained, and upgraded. The course's focus on new syntax and features, and its comparison of the old and new methods, allows a systems analyst to better evaluate and recommend changes to SAP systems. The course particularly provides insight into areas like inline declarations, table expressions, and common table expressions, and this can be beneficial when specifying system requirements and improvements.
Solutions Architect
A solutions architect is responsible for designing a specific technical solution. This role often requires an understanding of multiple technologies. For those working with SAP, an understanding of ABAP is essential. This course focuses on the new ABAP syntax. This is especially helpful for a Solutions Architect because it covers the modern programming approach to SAP. The course's content on inline declarations, table expressions, and operators enables them to suggest modern and efficient solutions. The course is helpful for understanding how code is written in SAP and for recommending solutions that align with modern programming practices. The comparative approach of the course is also useful when designing solutions involving both old and new ABAP code.
Software Consultant
A software consultant advises businesses on how to implement and use software to achieve business goals. Consultants working with SAP also benefit from understanding the technical aspects of its application development. This course, with its focus on the new ABAP syntax, helps a Software Consultant understand the modern approach to programming within SAP and its efficiency. The course’s focus on new features like inline declarations, table expressions, and operators, and its comparison of the old and new ways, helps consultants provide up-to-date advice to client organizations. This course may be helpful for improving software implementation strategies.
IT Consultant
An IT consultant advises organizations on how to best use information technology to achieve their business objectives. For those consulting within the SAP domain, knowledge of ABAP is beneficial. This course, which explores the new ABAP syntax, helps an IT Consultant understand the technical landscape of SAP development. The course's focus on new language elements, such as inline declarations and table expressions, provides depth into how SAP is changing. This is particularly useful when advising clients on upgrades or migrations. The course may be helpful for providing a holistic view of SAP programming practices. The consultant can learn new methods of writing code and the rationale behind the changes.
ERP Consultant
An ERP consultant helps organizations implement and manage their Enterprise Resource Planning systems with SAP being a major player. This course, which focuses on the new ABAP syntax, helps an ERP consultant understand the technical aspects of SAP systems. The course’s coverage of modern ABAP syntax, such as inline declarations, table expressions, and operators, gives the consultant a good technical insight into SAP development practices. This knowledge of new ABAP syntax may be useful when advising clients on SAP upgrades and when trouble-shooting application issues. Additionally, the course's comparative approach between the old and the new syntax is beneficial to provide the needed perspective on legacy systems.
Database Administrator
A database administrator oversees the performance and security of databases. Although this role is not directly related to coding, understanding how applications interact with databases is important. This course can help a Database Administrator understand how modern ABAP syntax impacts data access and query performance within SAP systems. The course's curriculum on topics such as common table expressions (CTE) and using internal tables as data sources in SELECT queries may be useful for optimizing database interactions. Exposure to the course can help a Database Administrator make informed decisions related to database design and operations involving ABAP applications. Moreover, it can help them understand the work of SAP developers.
SAP Basis Administrator
A SAP Basis Administrator manages and maintains the SAP system's infrastructure. While this role does not write code, understanding the technology is beneficial for system management and troubleshooting. This course, which covers the new ABAP syntax, may be useful as it helps a SAP Basis Administrator understand how code is written and executed within SAP. The course’s overview of modern elements, such as inline declarations and table expressions, allows an administrator to better grasp SAP application behavior. Also, understanding new syntaxes can help anticipate performance issues. This course may be helpful in this respect.
Quality Assurance Analyst
A quality assurance analyst is responsible for testing software to find defects. This role doesn't require coding, but a high level understanding of how the code works. While an understanding of ABAP is not essential, it may be beneficial to better testing practices. This course, by focusing on new ABAP syntax, may help a Quality Assurance Analyst understand code behavior and potential trouble spots. The course’s coverage of new features, such as operators, table expressions, and inline declarations, may assist in designing test cases in SAP environment. This may be useful for an analyst who needs to understand how to write better tests in SAP.
Data Analyst
A Data Analyst interprets data and turns it into information which can offer ways to improve a business. While this role is not strictly about programming, understanding how data is accessed and manipulated is helpful. This course, which introduces the new ABAP syntax, may be useful as it helps a Data Analyst understand how data queries are constructed within SAP systems. The course's focus on features such as table expressions and common table expressions (CTE) allows a Data Analyst to better comprehend data extraction and processing within SAP's environment. This understanding helps them to better derive insights from SAP data. The course may provide a background for data extraction and processing in SAP.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in SAP ABAP: Mastering the New Syntax.
Provides a comprehensive introduction to object-oriented programming in ABAP. It covers the fundamentals of ABAP Objects and how to apply them in SAP applications. While the course focuses on new syntax, a solid understanding of ABAP Objects is crucial for leveraging the full potential of the new features. This book serves as a valuable reference for understanding the underlying principles of modern ABAP development.
Explores ABAP development techniques optimized for SAP HANA. While not strictly required for the course, understanding how to leverage HANA's capabilities with the new ABAP syntax can significantly improve performance. This book is more valuable as additional reading for those interested in advanced ABAP development on HANA. It provides insights into code pushdown, data modeling, and other HANA-specific optimizations.

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