Q1: Differentiate between a Macro and a Subroutine
Both MACRO’s and Subroutine’s help make the code more organized.
In case of MACRO, It’s usually a collection of code. It can take up to 9 parameters and are usually expanded during compilation/ code generation. When a MACRO is invoked, the resulting code is inserted into the program.
In case of subroutine, it is again a collection of code. However, what makes it different from MACRO is that it is expanded during runtime. Also, the code segments are not inserted into the program as in a MACRO. Instead, program control is transferred to the memory location that stores the subroutine. Once done, the control is returned back.
MACRO’s are generally faster than subroutines, but are resource intensive. Subroutines can take any number of arguments as well.
Another major difference is that MACRO’s can only be local- meaning they can only be called from within the same program whereas subroutines can be called internally (FORM) or externally (FUNCTION).
Q2: Can you tell me what an ABAP data dictionary is?
ABAP data dictionary is a central repository where all data descriptions, also known as metadata, are stored.
The system ensures that there are no redundant data in the dictionary and makes the data available for all system components automatically.
The ABAP dictionary has several object types. They are
Sometimes businesses might need to shift from traditional or legacy systems to SAP. In such cases, businesses can make use of LSMW tool which can support the transfer of data. The main functions are
ITS stands for Internet Transaction Server. It’s a middleware that makes web based access to several SAP products possible. ITS links a Web server and R/3 application server. It controls the data flow between Web server and R/3 application server and enabling application user access to Internet application components (IACs).
Components of ITS
Transparent Table: A transparent table contains only a single table. It has a 1-1 relation with the table in DB and stores data directly. A single table can have either one or multiple primary keys. You can access them via native as well as open SQL. These tables are generally used to hold master data. It is possible to create secondary indexes in case of transparent tables.
Cluster Table: Instead of a single large table, cluster tables hold multiple small tables. The relationship is many to one in this case. Each table will have a primary key and it does not begin with the same fields. It’s not possible to create secondary indexes for cluster tables. They are used for performance improvement purposes such as when several tables have to be opened at the same time.
Pooled Tables: This is a combination of cluster and transparent data. This table is mainly used to store system data and contains data from a few large tables. The relationship here is again many-to-one as in cluster table. It is not possible to create secondary indexes and can be accessed only via open SQL. The primary key of each field begins with the same field as well.
Both MACRO’s and Subroutine’s help make the code more organized.
In case of MACRO, It’s usually a collection of code. It can take up to 9 parameters and are usually expanded during compilation/ code generation. When a MACRO is invoked, the resulting code is inserted into the program.
In case of subroutine, it is again a collection of code. However, what makes it different from MACRO is that it is expanded during runtime. Also, the code segments are not inserted into the program as in a MACRO. Instead, program control is transferred to the memory location that stores the subroutine. Once done, the control is returned back.
MACRO’s are generally faster than subroutines, but are resource intensive. Subroutines can take any number of arguments as well.
Another major difference is that MACRO’s can only be local- meaning they can only be called from within the same program whereas subroutines can be called internally (FORM) or externally (FUNCTION).
Q2: Can you tell me what an ABAP data dictionary is?
ABAP data dictionary is a central repository where all data descriptions, also known as metadata, are stored.
The system ensures that there are no redundant data in the dictionary and makes the data available for all system components automatically.
The ABAP dictionary has several object types. They are
- Tables- Represents DB tables where data is present
- Types- This is defined globally and any change to type is automatically reflected in all the programs that make use of the same type
- Views- Data is usually distributed among different tables. Views are used to summarize these
- Lock Objects- These are used to synchronize simultaneous data access of the same data by different users
Sometimes businesses might need to shift from traditional or legacy systems to SAP. In such cases, businesses can make use of LSMW tool which can support the transfer of data. The main functions are
- Import Data
- Export Data
ITS stands for Internet Transaction Server. It’s a middleware that makes web based access to several SAP products possible. ITS links a Web server and R/3 application server. It controls the data flow between Web server and R/3 application server and enabling application user access to Internet application components (IACs).
Components of ITS
- Web gateway
- Application gateway
- Mapping Manager
Transparent Table: A transparent table contains only a single table. It has a 1-1 relation with the table in DB and stores data directly. A single table can have either one or multiple primary keys. You can access them via native as well as open SQL. These tables are generally used to hold master data. It is possible to create secondary indexes in case of transparent tables.
Cluster Table: Instead of a single large table, cluster tables hold multiple small tables. The relationship is many to one in this case. Each table will have a primary key and it does not begin with the same fields. It’s not possible to create secondary indexes for cluster tables. They are used for performance improvement purposes such as when several tables have to be opened at the same time.
Pooled Tables: This is a combination of cluster and transparent data. This table is mainly used to store system data and contains data from a few large tables. The relationship here is again many-to-one as in cluster table. It is not possible to create secondary indexes and can be accessed only via open SQL. The primary key of each field begins with the same field as well.
Additional SAP ABAP Interview Questions
- Explain in detail about domains and data element
- Can you describe data classes?
- Explain foreign key relationship
- What is DynPro?
- Briefly explain the components of SAP scripts
- In the context of ABAP, what is ALV programming?
- How can you upload data using CATT?
- How can you differentiate between dependent & independent data?
- What are indexes and data classes?
- Explain BDC programming
- Explain the use of SLIS type pool in ALV reports
- Differentiate between invoice and proforma invoice
- What is the difference between user-exit and customer-exit?
- Is it possible to run BDC program in background?
- What is the difference between value table and check table?
- Differentiate between rfc and normal function module
- Is it possible to suppress blank spaces in sap scripts?
No comments:
Post a Comment