Tools (SAP Library - BAPI Programming Guide CA-BFA))

Tools

The most important tools used for developing BAPIs are the BAPI Explorer, the ABAP Dictionary, the Function Builder and the Business Object Repository.

The BAPI Explorer

As of Release 4.6A the BAPI Explorer is the central tool for developing BAPIs. To start it, you can enter Transaction code BAPI or, from the SAP Easy Access menu select ® Tools ® Business Framework ® BAPI Explorer. As the central access point into the BAPI world, the BAPI Explorer provides access to all the relevant information by way of context-sensitive links to all the required tools and transactions. Project forms guide you step by step through the development process. The project forms contain checkboxes with important information and details about the tools provided. You can also log the progress of your project.

The ABAP Dictionary

All the data definitions used in the system can be described and managed in the central ABAP Dictionary. New or modified information is automatically made available to all system components. This ensures data integrity, data consistency and data security.

For more information see Documentation on the ABAP Dictionary..

The Function Builder

With the Function Builder function modules can be created, implemented, tested and documented within a function group. The Function Builder contains a Function Library that serves as the central storage for all function modules.

For more information about the Function Builder see the documentation on the Function Builder.

The Business Object Repository (BOR)

The Business Object Repository (BOR) contains the SAP business object types and SAP interface types as well as their components, such as methods, attributes and events. A BAPI is defined in the BOR as a method of an SAP business object type.
The BOR has the following functions for SAP business object types and their BAPIs:

Enables an object-oriented view of the R/3 System data and processes.
R/3 application functions are accessed using methods (BAPIs) of SAP business object types. Implementation information is encapsulated; only the interface functionality of the method is visible to the user.

Arranges the various interfaces in accordance with the component hierarchy. Functions can be searched and retrieved quickly and simply.

Manages BAPIs in release updates.
BAPI interface enhancements made by adding parameters are recorded in the BOR. Previous interface versions can thus be reconstructed at any time. When a BAPI is created, the release version of the new BAPI is recorded in the BOR. The same applies when any interface parameter is created.
The version control of the function module that a BAPI is based on is managed in the Function Builder.

Ensures interface stability.
Any interface changes that are carried out in the BOR are automatically checked for syntax compatibility against the associated development objects in the ABAP Dictionary.

For further information about the BOR see the documentation on the Business Object Builder.

Outlook

You first have to define the names, parameters, and characteristics of the BAPI and determine the structures in the ABAP Dictionary that the BAPI will be based on. Only once you have done this can the BAPI be implemented in the Function Builder and the required programming objects be created in the BOR.