SAP HR Interview Questions

. Explain the uses of the simple maintenance interface?

Simple Maintenance is used when Staff assignments and reporting structure are to be changed. There are three main areas in Simple Maintenance. Each area contains particular maintenance functions, depending on whether you want to edit organizational structure, staff assignments or task profiles. For Organizational Management users, Simple Maintenance is best used to establish the basic framework in organizational plan development. For complete, detailed editing of individual organizational objects in your organizational plan (editing particular positions or organizational units, for example), we recommend that you switch to Info-type Maintenance. Simple maintenance uses a tree structure, which allows you to create a basic framework for organizational plans, using streamlined procedures. In this way, we can create an organizational and reporting structures step by step.

2. What is the use of INFOGROUPS?

The infotype group (commonly known as infogroup) guarantees that during the personnel action, all information needed for the business processes is stored. The infogroup is processed when you perform a personnel action. - An infogroup exists in the standard system for every personnel action type. - In Customizing for Personnel Administration, you can tailor the make-up of the various infogroups to the requirements of your company. - You can define infogroups as user-group dependent. Infogroups are used in Personnel Actions to define a set of sequencial infotypes that you would be using while performing an action. For example, when you hire, you would want to use IT0000,0001,0002,0006,0007,0008 etc in a sequence- in a particular order. So define an Infogroup for this purpose which contains all these infotypes, their order of execution and the user groups it is applicable for. Then you assign this infogroup to the action that you had defined.

3. What is PROCESSING CLASS, where we do them and why?

Wage type characteristic that determines how processing is conducted during the payroll run.

4. What is EVALUTION PATH, where do we do it and why?

A chain of relationships between objects in a hierarchical structure. for eg. O-S-P(Organization->Position->Person).

5. What is INTERNAL PAYROLL PROCESS?

Payroll process(program) is run at a specific point in time, not only to calculate an employee’s basic remuneration but also any special payments, overtime payments or bonuses that must be effected for the period in question.

SAP ABAP Questions with Answers

1. When using Open SQL statements in an ABAP/4 program, you must ensure the following.

a) The database system being addressed must be supported by SAP.

b) The database tables being addressed must be defined in the ABAP/4 dictionary.

c) Both a and b

d) None

Ans.c

2. Which of the following statements are correct?

a) A database interface translates SAP’s Open SQL statements into SQL commands specific to the database in use. Native SQL statements access the database directly.

b) When you use Native SQL, the addressed database tables do not have to be known to the ABAP/4 dictionary. In Open SQL, the addressed database tables must be defined in the ABAP/4 dictionary.

c) There is automatic client handling in Native SQL whereas clients must always be specified in Open SQL.

Ans. a,b

3. Which of the following are true?

a) TABLE is used as a synonym for STANDARD TABLE

b) You can only access a hashed table using the generic key operations. Explicit or implicit index operations (such as LOOP ... FROM oe INSERT itab within a LOOP) are not allowed.

c) All hashed tables are index tables.

d) We have to define the hash procedure explicitly for HASHED TABLE.

Ans. a, b

4. Can a transparent table exist in data dictionary but not in the database physically?

a) True b) False

Ans.b

5. Can you create a table with fields not referring to data elements?

a) Yes b) No

Ans. a

6. How do you create a batch input session for a transaction?

a) ‘Call transaction’ in background mode.

b) ‘Call transaction’ in error mode.

c) ‘Bdc_insert’ for the transaction.

d) None of the above.

Ans. c

7. What is the alternative to batch input session?

a) Load module b) Call transaction c) BAPI d) Idoc segment

Ans. b

8. The following are true about ‘EXEC SQL’.

a) You can end the Native SQL with a semicolon.

b) You can end the Native SQL with a period.

c) You cannot perform reliable authorization checks using EXEC SQL.

d) Host variables in the Native SQL are identified with a preceding hash (#).

Ans. a, c

9. The following are true about database locking.

a) Database systems set physical locks on all lines affected by a database call.

b) Read locks prevent the setting of further read locks for the objects in question.

c) Read locks prevent other transactions from setting write locks for the objects in question.

d) Write locks allow other transactions to set read locks for the objects in question.

Ans. a, c

10. What are field symbols?

a) Field symbols are like pointers in C that can point to any data object in ABAP/4 and to structures defined in ABAP/4 dictionary.

b) Field symbols have to be created with type specifications only.

c) You cannot assign one field symbol to another.

d) All operations you have programmed with the field symbol are carried out with the assigned field.

Ans. a, d

11. EXTRACT statement

a) The first EXTRACT statement extracts the first extract record.

b) The first EXTRACT statement creates the extract dataset and adds the first extract record.

c) Each extract record contains, if specified, the fields of the field group.

d) Each extract record contains, if specified, the fields of the field symbol.

Ans. b, c

12. You cannot assign a local data object defined in a subroutine or function module to a field group.

a) True b) False

Ans. a

13. Which of the following are true?

a) COLLECT can only be used with STANDARD TABLE.

b) To use COLLECT, the internal table should be derived from a database table with an explicit key.

c) If the system finds a numeric component, that is not part of the key, the numeric fields that are not part of the table key (see ABAP number types) are added to the sum total of the existing entries. If it does not find an entry, control passes on to the next record in the internal table.

d) If the system finds a numeric component, that is not part of the key, the numeric fields that are not part of the table key (see ABAP number types) are added to the sum total of the existing entries. If it does not find an entry, the system creates a new entry instead.

Ans. d

14. Which of the following are true?

a) ABAP queries are created by associating them to a logical database or through a direct read/data retrieval program.

b) ABAP queries are created from functional areas that are created from a logical database or through a direct read/retrieval program.

c) ABAP queries are created from user groups attached to the functional areas that are created from a logical database or through a direct read/retrieval program.

d) ABAP queries are created through the regular report program.

Ans. c

15. A logical unit of work (LUW or transaction) begins

a) Each time you start a transaction.

b) Each time you end a transaction.

c) When the database changes of the previous LUW have been confirmed (database commit).

d) Before the database changes of the previous LUW have been cancelled (database rollback).

Ans. a, d

16. A database commit is triggered by

a) ABAP/4 command COMMIT WORK.

b) CALL SCREEN, CALL DIALOG.

c) A Remote Function Call

d) CALL TRANSACTION

Ans. a, b, c, d

17. The following are true about SAPscript control commands.

a) If a control command is unknown or it contains syntax errors, the line containing it will be printed out as it is.

b) If a control command is unknown or it contains syntax errors, the line containing it will be treated as a comment line.

c) A maximum of one control command may appear in each line.

d) A maximum of six control commands may appear in each line.

Ans. b, c

18. To output SAPscript layout sets, in the print program

a) You must always start the output with OPEN_FORM and end it with CLOSE_FORM.

b) Within one transaction, you can use only one OPEN_FORM and CLOSE_FORM to open and close a layout set.

c) WRITE_FORM should be used within an OPEN_FORM and CLOSE_FORM.

d) WRITE_FORM can be used without an OPEN_FORM and CLOSE_FORM.

Ans. a, c

19. The transaction CMOD and SMOD are

a) Used to create enhancements to standard SAP programs.

b) Used to create enhancements to ABAP queries.

c) Used to create the user exits, menu exits and screen exits.

d) Used to modify the standard function groups.

Ans. a, c

20. Which of the following are tools to report data in ABAP?

a) ALV b) ALE c) LSMW d) SmartForms

Ans: a

21. ABAP Query tool is used to:

a) Enquire about a running-program status

b) Automatically generate code for reporting

c) Perform database operations for user-written programs

d) None of the above

Ans: b

22. In ABAP Query tool...

a) Each user can be assigned to several user-groups

b) Each user can be assigned to several functional areas

c) Each functional area can be assigned to several user-groups

d) One user can be assigned only to one user-group.

Ans: a, b, c

23. Logical databases must be used to create an ABAP Query

a) True b) False

Ans: b

24. In a BDC program, how would you handle errored records? Would you…

a) Rerun the program

b) Report the errored records

c) Generate a batch-input session with errored records

d) Create an output file, to be run again after corrections

Ans: b, c, d

25. What are IDocs?

a) Documentation of executable programs

b) Documents used for data-transport between SAP and non-SAP s/w.

c) Documents used for data-transport between two different SAP systems

d) Documents used for one-time data-migration activities.

Ans: b, c

26. For transportation of data from a presentation server into SAP, the function module used is

a) UPLOAD b) WS_UPLOAD c) FILE_UPLOAD d) DATA_UPLOAD

Ans: a, b

27. For one-time high volume data-uploads into SAP from non-reliable systems, the following are generally used: a) BDC b) LSMW c) Direct table update d) Idocs

Ans: a, b

28. In an ABAP program, the INITIALIZATION event is invoked

a) Before the AT-SELECTION-SCREEN event

b) After the AT-SELECTION-SCREEN event

c) Could be either way

d) Cannot be predicted

Ans: a

29. The statement to check whether an internal table itab_test has no records, is:IF itab_test is initial. a) TRUE b) FALSE

Ans: b

30. The statement used to clear all the contents of an internal table is:

a) CLEAR itab. b) REFRESH itab. c) FREE itab. d) DELETE itab.

Ans: b, c

31. The AT-SELECTION-SCREEN event is triggered when…

a) ENTER key is hit on the selection-screen

b) F8 key is hit on the selection-screen

c) Any field on selection-screen is populated

d) F4 key is hit on the selection-screen

Ans: a, b

32. What is the transaction-code for viewing batch-runs of a program?

a) SE37 b) SM37 c) SM35 d) SM30

Ans: b

33. SY-BATCH can be used to determine whether a program is being run in batch-mode, within the AT-SELECTION-SCREEN event.

a) TRUE b) FALSE

Ans: b

34. The following statements will clear the header-line of an internal table:

a) DELETE ITAB. b) FREE ITAB. c) REFRESH ITAB. d) CLEAR ITAB.

Ans: d

35. The SAP Logon password is always case-insensitive. a) TRUE b) FALSE

Ans: b
P.S: From ECC6.0, SAP Logon Password is case-sensitive.

36. Data: BEGIN OF ITAB OCCURS 0,FIELD1(10),FIELD2(10),END OF ITAB.DO 20 TIMES.ITAB-FIELD1 = ‘Field1’.ITAB-FIELD2 = ‘Field2’.ENDDO.

a) The internal table has 20 entries.

b) The internal table has one entry.

c) The internal table has no entry.

d) Unpredictable.

Ans: c

37. READ TABLE ITAB_TEST WITH KEY VBELN = k_vbeln. If multiple records in table ITAB satisfy the condition, then

a) All records are fetched

b) The last record is fetched

c) The first record is fetched

d) Compilation error

Ans: c

38. If ITAB has 1000 entries, and DBTAB is a large table, which is better in terms of performance?i) LOOP AT ITAB.SELECT * INTO ITAB_2 FROM DBTAB WHEREKEY1 = ITAB-KEY1.APPEND ITAB_2.ENDSELECT.ENDLOOP.ii) LOOP AT ITAB.SELECT * INTO TABLE ITAB_2 FROM DBTAB WHEREKEY1 = ITAB-KEY1.ENDLOOP.iii) SELECT * INTO TABLE ITAB_2 FROM DBTAB FOR ALL ENTRIES IN ITAB WHEREKEY1 = ITAB-KEY1.

a) (i) is better than (ii), and (ii) is better than (iii).

b) (ii) is better than (iii), and (iii) is better than (i).

c) (iii) is better than (i) and (i) is better than (ii).

d) (iii) is better than (ii) and (ii) is better than (i).

Ans: d

39. DATA: BEGIN OF ITAB OCCURS 0,Fld1 (1),Fld2 (1),Fld3 (1),END OF ITAB.ITAB has 5 records – [ (1,1,1), (1,1,2), (1,2, 2), (2,2,2), (2,2,3) ].The code segment:LOOP AT ITAB.AT NEW fld3.WRITE fld3.ENDAT.ENDLOOP.Produces the output:

a) 1 2 2 2 3 b) 1 2 3 c) 1 1 2 2 2 d) 1 1 1 2 2

Ans: a

40. TYPES: BEGIN OF TYPE1,FLD1,FLD2,FLD3,END OF TYPE1.DATA: ITAB1 TYPE STANDARD TABLE OF TYPE1.ITAB1-FLD1 = ‘a’.ITAB1-FLD2 = ‘b’.ITAB1-FLD3 = ‘c’.APPEND ITAB1.

a) The table has one record, with values (a, b, c ).

b) The table has no records.

c) Compilation error due to method of declaration of type.

d) Compilation error due to method of declaration of table.

Ans: d

41. The fastest way to read a value in an internal table is to:

a) Specify key, and do a binary search

b) Specify the table-keys

c) Directly specify the index value

d) Use a work-area with same structure as the internal table.

Ans: c

42. If COLLECT is used on an internal table, which has a non-key character field,

a) The first record’s value is used in the collected version.

b) The last record’s value is used in the collected version.

c) Compilation error

d) Cannot be predicted

Ans: c

43. Which is the correct syntax for sorting an internal table?

a) SORT ITAB USING key1 key2.

b) SORT ITAB BY key1 key2.

c) SORT ITAB WITH key1 key2.

d) SORT ITAB key1 key2.

Ans: b

44. If we need to fetch all database entries corresponding to a given key, X records at a time, the syntax to be used is:

a) SELECT…PACKET SIZE X….

b) SELECT…PACKAGE SIZE X…

c) SELECT…UPTO X RECORDS….

d) This facility is not available in ABAP.

Ans: b

45. LOOP AT ITAB_DTL_1.COLLECT ITAB_DTL_1 INTO ITAB_FINAL.ENDLOOP.If the tables contain character fields, which table should be declared with the keys Explicitly specified?a) ITAB_DTL_1

b) ITAB_FINAL

c) Either one will do.

d) Neither needs a key to be specified

Ans: b

46. The syntax to concatenate a set of values into one variable is:

a) CONCATENATE source1, source2 INTO target.

b) CONCATENATE source1 source2 INTO target.

c) CONCATENATE source1 and source2 INTO target.

d) None of the above.

Ans: b

47. On the selection-screen, if, while using SELECT-OPTIONS, we specify NO INTERVALS,we can guarantee that the user will not be able to enter a range of values.

a) TRUE b) FALSE

Ans: b

48. ABAP programmers can create their own data types?

a) YES b) NO

Ans: a

49. MOVE can be used to copy:

a) One field’s contents to another field

b) One structure’s contents to another compatible structure

c) One table’s contents to another compatible table

d) A part of one field to another field

Ans: a, b, c, d

50. PERFORM ROUTINE1 USING val1.…..FORM ROUTINE1 USING temp1.Temp1 = 10.ENDFORM.Is the value of val1 changed?

a) YES b) NO

Ans. a

SAP ABAP Internal Tables Questions

1. what is an internal table?
2. how many type of internal tables are there?
3. what is the difference between hashed & sorted internal tables?
4. what is the difference between standard and sorted internal tables? (in performance wise)
5. Difference between internal table and a dictionary table?
6. can you create an internal table dynamically?(at run time)
7. what is the use of select for all entries in an internal table?
8. when you are using 2 internal table in program, you have decided to use for all entries statement to retrieve data but unfortunately there are no records in the first internal table. What will be the result? (2nd internal table contains records).
in a loop of an internal table, what is the use of at first & at last statements?
9. What is the use of at new statement?
10. what is the difference between at first & at new statements?
11. what is a binary search ? and how it is useful in a sorted internal table?
12. when do you need to create an internal table with header line ?and with out a header line?
13. what does it mean occurs 0 while creating an internal table?
14. what will happen if you don't give occurs clause while creating an internal table?
15. what is the difference between clear, delete & refresh with respect to an internal table?

SAP ABAP Real Time Questions

1. Which client number you use for the current project?
2. You are running a report. It is taking long time for execution. What steps will you do to reduce the execution time.
3. After running a BDC program in background, next day morning when you see the results, few records are not updated(error records). What will you do then?
4. You are given functional specs for a BDC program and you need to decide whether to write a method call transaction or a session. How u will decide?
5. What is the difference between report and script?
6. what are the differences between scripts & smart forms?
7. what are enhancements?
8. what are user-exits?
9. what is badi?
10. what is the difference between user-exit & BADIs?
11. what is the difference between user-exit & customer-exit?
12. how do you get functional specs when you are assigned some object? (specs through email..??)
13. How do you write technical specs?
14. How do you write UTP?(unit test plan)

SAP ABAP Technical Questions (Data Dictonary)

1. What is data Dictionary?
2. What is the difference between open sql & native sql ?
3. Difference between Pooled, cluster & transparent tables?
4. What is Primary key, foreign key ? what is primary index? secondary index?
5.how many indexes can be created for a table?
6. what is a value table?
7. what are the components of a table?
8. what is a domain?
9. what is a data element?
10. what is data class?
11. can you create a table with out a data element?
12. can you create a field with out a data element?
13. What approach you prefer for creating a table?
14. Give few names of cluster tables in sap?
15. Give few names of pooled tables in sap?
16. give few names of transparent tables?
17. what is a buffer and how many types?
18. what is table maintenance generator and how to create that?
19. What is the transaction code? How to add new fields to a standard sap table ?
20. How many types of table joins are there? difference between inner join & outer join?
21. Difference between "select * from mara" and "select single * from mara"?
22. what is a match code ? Lock objects ? what are views?
23. what are logical tables/database?
24. what is the difference bet'n table and a structure?

SAP ABAP Interview Questions Part 1

1. What is a client in sap (terms).

ANS - SAP terminology : -Client in SAP is to Individual unit to identify r/3 system with different DB tables.

2. After developing object where do you test? How do u test?

ANS - Normally I do white box testing for what I develop. To test the problem Functional consultant give few sample data for testing.

3. Who else is there with u when u test the program?

ANS - If the error is major take help of TL.

4. If end user comes to saying that there is a bug in the program, how do u correct it?

ANS - First I will understand what he is telling then understand the program. Based on the complexity error in Technical I debug the program to sort the error and if it is related to functional then I will sit will the user or my TL.

5. In call transaction method where do we get vendor no when uploading vendor master?

i.e in case of errors.ANS - IF subrc <> 0. write: / IT.

6. How do we get time in the program?

Which time we get either development server or system time?ANS - By using system field sy-uziet. For local timlo Zonlo

7. What is data cleansing?

ANS - Means while uploading a flat fieldata into sap system it should data cleaned i.e. unwanted data to be deleted.

10. How do ur Project leader differentiate ur programs from others if 3 people from ur group all using the same user id?

ANS - Go to SE10. the the objects in the request where we give the description for our object.

11. If I am submitted to 4-linked report program to background job. If 2 reports fails, what happen the result?

1. 3 and 4 report programs are executed or not

2. it give the 1 report program result or not

12. How can I know the feed back of background job?

ANS - SM37 to see the feedback of the job.

13. If there is a quantity field, currency field in the external format (from legacy system), what is its equivalent SAP format?

ANS - It depends means if we want to convert it into $ to Rs we can use a function module which will convert the $ to Rs and Rs will be saved.

14. What are table buffers?

ANS - This r some think to buffer the data in application server. Buffer not allowed will buffer data in AS. Data will be fetched directly from Database server. Buffer switched on means it buffers data in AP means data is fetched from application Server. Buffer switched allowed but switched off. Full buffer to store the table in AP. Generic buffer - It is a comparison of fields i.e. data retired by the matching record.

15 what back ground processing means actually?

i.e. processing in future date or processing in no display monde or both are applicable?

ANS - Both r same.

18. From a table how do u find whether a material is used in another material BOM?

ANS - We have a field in which it will the information of the BOM.

19. How do u find out whether a file exits on the presentation server?

ANS - There is fun Mod through which we can find whether file exit in PS or not.

20. Which function module upload data from application server?

ANS - No fun mod is used to upload data to AP. we use open dataset for output in AS to upload data.

21. Can you have two detail lists from the basic list at the same time? If yes how and if no why?ANS - No. Coz sequences goes 1 then 2. if we want we can use windows starting 10 giving two statements. We can pop up two detail.

22. What is At-Exit and User-Exit?

ANS - it is used as exit button in Module pool.

23.how do u transport scripts from client 100 to 300?

ANS - Go to Utilities-Copy from client. give the form name and then the target form and in client the client from which we need. In this only the form gets copied not the standard symbol, Text then Styles. To copy the standard symbol go to SE72 - Utilities-Copy. For standard text go to SO10 -Utilities-Copy. IMPORTANT - Which we upload tiff file in RSTXLDMC the file uploaded and saved in SO10 in standard text format i.e. it is stored in bit format. The contents of so10 r stored in STXH. The graphics for BMP are stored in SSFXFBMP. If we need two logos(one in background). RSTXLDMC- upload logo in sequence i.e. logo1,logo2. Then in form include the ST first logo1 then logo2. If there is 10 scripts with Standard text will four lines in it. if we want in 2 scripts only 2 lines to be displayed : - we can do by coding a logic i.e. go to SO10 there give a logic If Form name is 0. print.TTDTG is the table where we can create a Zstandard Symbol and it is where standard symbol is stored.

. How do u solve table control problem in bdc?.

25. How do u code the program for getting time base on different country timings?

ANS - By setting the local PC time using the system field TiMLO.

26. If report is run in india and the same report is run in us which time is accessed by the program?

ANS - By setting the local Pc time using the system field TiMLO.

26. If u save an object as local object then how do u transport it?.

ANS - If a object is saved in local object it will not give any request so get the request first change the development class. Go to SE80 - Right click on the object there will be option More Function then change package Assignment.

27. Can we use for one application, for data processing session method and for data updation call transaction? how?

Yes. after we code call transaction below that give a logic if subrc <> 0 then open the function module BDC-open, insert, close.

28. How do we keep break points dynamically say a program has 1000 line of code and has 50 function modules then how do we keep breakpoints to those 50 function modules?

ANS - First set the program to debug mode after we r in debug mode got to Breakpoint option in menu bar from there go to breakpoint at - there use statement and use the statement i.e call function or any subroutine.

29. How to sent error to end user?

Ans - By using the function module(BDCMSGCOLL).

30. What is the difference between ranges and select-options?

Ans –

31. For a button in application bar in ALV.

ANS - Yes by using pf-status we can bring buttons in application bars. Use event pf-status and usercommand from slis and pass it to gird function.

32. Have u worked on call transaction?

ANS - yes.

33. Can we pass data from one program to another in ALV as well as in reports?

34. Can we run a three transaction at a time i.e. parallelly and can we track the error there and there?

Ans : - it is possible to run the transaction one after other and not parallelly. it is not possible to track the error in Parallel run. We can use /bend to correct the errors.

35. If we record BDC through SHDB and copy the program in a editor and execute what will happen?

ANS - It will run the program showing the screen which when went under recording. i.e it will show all the screens which we used in SHDB which recording the screens and fields.

36. To change Development Class for Script go to SE03-Object directory in the field give form(set the flag) and then there give the form name then double click and give the Class name.

37. To see imported request go to transaction STMS.to find the fields of a table from which it is used use transaction se84.

Sample Test Questions on SAP ABAP Programming

1. What are the 2 boxes in your system for coding for Abap and their logins?
Development System & IDES/Sandbox
2. If I get a problem on a report in Production server how can I modify the report.
If the problem in production server we have to alter the program in Developemnt Client and transport it to QA client Test it throughly and then Transport it to Production.
3. Tell me about Tokens.
Tokens are Issues sent by the Client to us.
4. How to Fix the bugs and where you will do those things.
It Actuall Depends what kind of bugs they asked about: If it is a problem in Program, then we alter them in the SE38 (Develpment) and transport it after testing to Prd Server.
5. What is a sandboxes.
SAND BOX is nothing but a test client other than Develpment Client or QA.
6. How to conncet the from ur office to clinet in US.
It will be configured by the BASIS guys..
In the sap logon pad they will enter the application server id and Routing String and the SERver type in the Sytem Number.... with that we will connect
7. Tell me about VPN and the connections.
Its a another way to connect to other PC. its a 3rd party utility....
8. How to login ur system.
Thru SAP Logon enter the client number ,user id & password.
9. What is the purpose of SE14.
Database Utility to perform table maintenance such as deleting the table or adjusting the table when there is a structure change.
10. What is the purpose of SM30.
SM30 is a table Maintanance for the Ztable Created by us.
11. In Data dictionary in the table creation,What is the purpose of Technical settings.
To identify the Size of the Table Created and to Set whether buffering needs to be done for the table or not.
12. What is the purpose of buffering in technical settings and for what type of tables are using buffering.
It will reduce the Network tarffic but disadvantage is it will not update the Server back immediately.
13. In reporting tell me all the events in a sequentail order.
- Initialization. - At Selection-Screen - Start-of-Selection. - Top-of-Page. - At Pfn. - End-of-Page. - End-of-Selection.

ABAP Interview Tips and Questions

ABAP FAQ's on Reports / Scripts / BDC / Dialogs:

SAP TERMINOLOGY

Master data is a collection of information about a person or an object, e.g. a cost object, vendor, or G/L account. For example, a vendor master record contains not only general information such as the vendor's name and address, but also specific information, such as payment terms and delivery instructions. Generally for end users, master data is reference data that you will look up and use, but not create or change.

Transactional data is data related to a single business event such as a purchase requisition or a request for payment. When you create a requisition, for example, SAP creates an electronic document for that particular transaction. SAP gives the transaction a document number and adds the document to the transaction data that is already in the system. Whenever you complete a transaction in SAP, that is, when you create, change, or print a document in SAP, this document number appears at the bottom of the screen.

Workflow A routing tool in SAP that forwards documents for review or approval. For example, a requisition that needs to be approved is sent to the appropriate approver's inbox.Workflow is also used to route journal vouchers, credit card charges, and other documents in SAP.

Cost Object: A Cost Object collects expenses and revenues for a particular purpose, such as a research project. In SAP there are three types of cost objects: Cost Center, Internal Order, and WBS (Work Breakdown Structure) Element (see below for definition).Cost Center: General or operating Cost Objects are known in SAP as Cost Centers. Cost Centers are budgeted on the fiscal year.

Internal Order: A non-sponsored Cost Object (for example, funding from the MIT Provost) used to track costs over periods other than fiscal years. Internal Orders are often created to track gifts or endowments at MIT.

WBS Element: WBS Elements are funded by outside sponsors and are used to track costs of a particular research project over the entire span of its activity. They may also be created to track other sponsored activities, such as gifts.

G/L Account: G/L accounts are also called Cost Elements in SAP. They are a classification by expense or revenue type. In the CO (Controlling) module of SAP, the term Cost Element is used. In the FI(Financial) module, the term G/L Account is used. These terms are used interchangeably for reporting, requisitions, and journal vouchers.

Database tables and open SQL Add a single record to a database table insert into values Inserting all lines from an internal table into a database table: insert from table Delete all records Select * from zmellemtab. delete zmellemtab. endselect. Deleting records using records from an internal table delete employees from table itab.

Q & A BASIS LAYER:

What are the central interfaces of the R/3 system?

Presentation interface

Database interface

Operating system interface

Which interface controls what is shown on the p.c.?

Presentation interface

Which interface converts SQL requirements in the SAP development system to those of the database?

Database interface

What is SAP dispatcher?

SAP dispatcher is the control agent which manages the resources for the R/3 applications.

What are the functions of dispatcher?

Equal distribution of transaction load to the work processesManagement of buffer areas in main memory Integration of the presentation levelsOrganization of communication activies.

What is a work process?

A work process is where individual dialog steps are actually processed and the work is done. Each work process handles one type of request.

Name various work processes of R/3 system?

1) Dialog or Online ( processes only one request at a time )

2) Background ( started at a specified time )

3) Update ( primary or secondary )

4) Enque( lock mechanism )

5) Spool ( generated online or during back ground processing For printing )

What are the types of Update requests?

An update request can be divided into one primary (V1) and several Secondary update components (V2). Time-critical operations are placed in V1 component and those whose timing are less critical are placed in V2 components. If a V1 update fails, V2 components will not be processed.

What are the roll and page areas?

Roll and page areas are SAP R/3 buffers used to store user contexts ( process requests ) . The SAP dispatcher assigns process requests to work processes as they are received. If the work process is unavailable the process requests are queued in the roll and page areas. Paging area holds data from the application programs. Roll area holds data from previous dialog steps and data that characterizes user.

What is a Spool request?

Spool requests are generated during dialog or background processing and placed in the spool database with information about the printer and print format. The actual data is placed in the Tem Se (Temporary Sequential objects).

What are the different database integrities?

1. Semantic integrity

2. Relational integrity

3. Primary key integrity

4. Value set integrity

5. Foreign key integrity and Operational integrity.

DATA DICTIONARY.Type of a table or structureThe table type determines how the logical table description defined in the ABAP/4 Dictionary is reproduced on the database.

There are the following table types:

1. transparent table
2. structure
3. append structure

For internal purposes, such as storing control data or update texts, there are in addition the following table types:

1. pooled table
2. cluster table
3. generated view structure

Transparent table There is a physical table on the database for each transparent table. The names of the physical tables and the logical table definition in the ABAP/4 Dictionary correspond. All business data and application data are stored in transparent tables.

Structure No data records exist in the database for a structure. Structures are used for the interface definition between programs or between screens and programs.

Append structure An append structure defines a set of fields which belong to another table or structure but which are treated in the correction administration as its own object. Append structures are used to support modifications.

Pooled table Pooled tables can be used to store control data (e.g. screen sequences, program parameters or temporary data). Several pooled tables can be combined to form a table pool. The table pool corresponds to a physical table on the database in which all the records of the allocated pooled tables are stored.

Cluster table Cluster tables contain continuous text, for example, documentation. Several cluster tables can be combined to form a table cluster. Several logical lines of different tables are combined to form a physical record in this table type. This permits object-by-object storage or object-by-object access. In order to combine tables in clusters, at least parts of the keys must agree. Several cluster tables are stored in one corresponding table on the database.

Generated view structure In activation a structure is generated for a view. This structure serves as interface for the runtime environment. It does not generally appear in the ABAP/4 Dictionary.

What is a Data Class?

The Data class determines in which tablespace the table is stored when it is created in the database. What is a Size Category? The Size category describes the probable space requirement of the table in the database. How Many types of size categories and data classes are there? There are five size categories (0-4) and 11 data classes, only three of which are appropriate for application tables:

1. APPL0 - Master data (data frequently accessed but rarely updated)

2. APPL1 - Transaction data (data that is changed frequnetly)

3. APPL2 - Organisational data (customizing data that is entered when system isconfigured and then rarely changed)

What are control tables?

The values specified for the size category and data class are mapped to database-specific values via control tables.

What is the function of the transport system and workbench organiser?

The function of the transport system and the Workbench Organizer is to manage any changes made to objects of the ABAP/4 Development Workbench and to transport these changes between different SAP systems.

What is a table pool?

A table pool (or pool) is used to combine several logical tables in the ABAP/4 Dictionary. The definition of a pool consists of at least two key fields and a long argument field (VARDATA).

What are pooled tables?

These are logical tables which must be assigned to a table pool when they are defined. Pooled tables can be used to store control data (such as screen sequences or program parameters).

What is a table cluster?

A table cluster combines several logical tables in the ABAP/4 Dictionary. Several logical rows from different cluster tables are brought together in a single physical record. The records from the cluster tables assigned to a cluster are thus stored in a single common table in the database.

Which objects are independent transport objects?

Domains, Data elements, Tables, Technical settings for tables, Secondary indexes for transparent tables,Structures, Views,Matchcode objects, Matchcode IDs, Lock objects.

What are the Data types of the external layer?

ACCP, CHAR, CLNT, CUKY,CURR, DATS, DEC, FLTP, INT1,INT2, INT4, LANG, LCHR,LRAW, NUMC, PREC, QUAN,RAW ,TIMS, UNIT, VARC.

What are the Data types of the ABAP/4 layer?

Possible ABAP/4 data types: C: Character. D: Date, format YYYYMMDD. F: Floating-point number in DOUBLE PRECISION (8 bytes). I: Integer. N: Numerical character string of arbitrary length. P: Amount or counter field (packed; implementation depends on hardware platform). S: Time stamp YYYYMMDDHHMMSS. T: Time of day HHMMSS. V: Character string of variable length, length is given in the first two bytes. X: Hexadecimal (binary) storage.

How can we set the tablespaces and extent sizes?

You can specify the extent sizes and the tablespace (physical storagearea in the database) in which a transparent table is to be stored by setting the size category and data class.

Interview Questions

What is View? How many types of Views are there?

A view is a logical view on one or more tables. A view on one or more tables i.e., thedata from a view is not actually physically stored instead being derived from one ormore tables. A view can be used to summarize data which is distributed amongseveral tables. There are different views ie.,

Database View (SE11)
Database views are implement an inner join, that is, only records of the primary table(selected via the join operation) for which the corresponding records of thesecondary tables also exist are fetched. Inconsistencies between primary andsecondary table could, therefore, lead to a reduced selection set.In database views, the join conditions can be formulated using equality relationshipsbetween any base fields. In the other types of view, they must be taken from existingforeign keys. That is, tables can only be collected in maintenance or help view ifthey are linked to one another via foreign keys.

Help View (SE54)
Help views are used to output additional information when the online help system iscalled. When the F4 button is pressed for a screen field, a check is first made on whether a matchcode is defined for this field. If this is not the case, the help view is displayed inwhich the check table of the field is the primary table. Thus, for each table no morethan one helps view can be created, that is, a table can only be primary table in atmost one help view.

Projection View
Projection views are used to suppress or mask certain fields in a table (projection), thus minimizing the number of interfaces. This means that only the data that isactually required is exchanged when the database is accessed.A projection view can draw upon only one table. Selection conditions cannot bespecified for projection views.

Maintenance View (SE54)
Maintenance views enable a business-oriented approach to looking at data, while atthe same time, making it possible to maintain the data involved. Data from severaltables can be summarized in a maintenance view and maintained collectively via thisview. That is, the data is entered via the view and then distributed to the underlyingtables by the system.