Technical Interview Questions

1. What is a batch input session?

BATCH INPUT SESSION is an intermediate step between internal table and database table. Data along with the action is stored in session ie data for screen fields, to which screen it is passed, program name behind it, and how next screen is processed.

2. What is the advantage of structures? How do you use them in the ABAP programs?

Adv:- GLOBAL EXISTANCE(these could be used by any other program without creating it again).

3. How many types of tables exists and what are they in data dictionary?

4 types of tables
i)Transparent tables - Exists with the same structure both in dictionary as well as in database exactly with the same data and fields. Both Opensql and Nativesql can be used.
ii)Pool tables
iii)Cluster tables - These are logical tables that are arranged as records of transparent tables. one cannot use native sql on these tables (only open sql).They are not managable directly using database system tools.
iv)Internal tables

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

YES.
Example:- ITAB LIKE SPFLI.here we are referencing to a data object(SPFLI) not data element.

2. What are the different types of data dictionary objects?

tables, structures, views, domains, data elements, lock objects, Match code objects.

3. What should be the approach for writing a BDC program?

STEP 1: CONVERTING THE LEGACY SYSTEM DATA TO A FLAT FILE to internal table CALLED “CONVERSION”.
STEP 2: TRANSFERRING THE FLAT FILE INTO SAP SYSTEM CALLED “SAP DATA TRANSFER”.
STEP 3: DEPENDING UPON THE BDC TYPE
i)call transaction(Write the program explicitly)
ii) create sessions (sessions are created and processed.if success data will transfer).

4. What are the problems in processing batch input sessions and How is batch input process different from processing online?

i) If the user forgets to opt for keep session then the session will be automatically removed from the session queue(log remains). However if session is processed we may delete it manually.
ii)if session processing fails data will not be transferred to SAP database table.

5. What does an extract statement do in the ABAP program?

Once you have declared the possible record types as field groups and defined their structure, you can fill the extract dataset using the following statements: EXTRACT. When the first EXTRACT statement occurs in a program, the system creates the extract dataset and adds the first extract record to it. In each subsequent EXTRACT statement, the new extract record is added to the dataset EXTRACT HEADER. When you extract the data, the record is filled with the current values of the corresponding fields. As soon as the system has processed the first EXTRACT statement for a field group , the structure of the corresponding extract record in the extract dataset is fixed. You can no longer insert new fields into the field groups and HEADER. If you try to modify one of the field groups afterwards and use it in another EXTRACT statement, a runtime error occurs. By processing EXTRACT statements several times using different field groups, you fill the extract dataset with records of different length and structure. Since you can modify field groups dynamically up to their first usage in an EXTRACT statement, extract datasets provide the advantage that you need not determine the structure at the beginning of the program.

6. Can a transparent table exist in data dictionary but not in the data base physically?

NO. TRANSPARENT TABLE DO EXIST WITH THE SAME STRUCTURE BOTH IN THE DICTIONARY AS WELL AS IN THE DATABASE,EXACTLY WITH THE SAME DATA AND FIELDS.

7. What is the step by step process to create a table in data dictionary?

step 1: creating domains(data type, field length, range).
step 2: creating data elements(properties and type for a table field).
step 3: creating tables(SE11).

8. What is the typical structure of an ABAP/4 program?

HEADER ,BODY,FOOTER.

9. A situation: An ABAP program creates a batch input session. We need to submit the program and the batch session in back ground. How to do it?

go to SM36 and create background job by giving job name, job class and job steps (JOB SCHEDULING)

10. What are the domains and data elements?

DOMAINS : FORMAL DEFINITION OF THE DATA TYPES.THEY SET ATTRIBUTES SUCH AS DATA TYPE,LENGTH,RANGE. DATA ELEMENT : A FIELD IN R/3 SYSTEM IS A DATA ELEMENT.

11. What is the alternative to batch input session?

Call transaction.

1) What is runtime analysis? Have you used this?

It’s checks program execution time in microseconds. When you go to se30.if you give desired program name in performance file. It will take you to below screen. You can get how much past is your program.

2) What is meant by performance analysis? Have done
3) How to transfer the objects? Have you transferred any objects?
4) How did you test the developed objects?

I was testing a developed object. There are two types of testing - Negative testing - Positive testing In negative testing we will give negative data in input and we check any errors occurs. In positive testing we will give positive data in input for checking errors.

5) What is the difference between SAP Memory and ABAP Memory?
6) In order to upload Purchase order details, how you handle multiple values for a single field?

Eg: Item field may contain no. of values for a record

7) What is the procedure you followed to upload the data?
How did you handle errors in Call Transaction?

We can create a internal table like ‘bsgmcgcoll’. All the messages will go to internal table. We can get errors in this internal table. Below messages are go to internal table. when you run the call transaction.
- Message type
- Message id
- Message Number
- Variable1
- Variable2
- Variable3

9) Among the Call Transaction and Session Method, which is faster?

Call transaction is faster then session method. But usually we use session method in real time…because we can transfer large amount of data from internal table to database and if any errors in a session. Process will not complete until session get correct.

10) What are the difference between Interactive and Drill Down Reports?

ABAP/4 provides some interactive events on lists such as AT LINE-SELECTION (double click) or AT USER-COMMAND (pressing a button). You can use these events to move through layers of information about individual items in a list.
Drill down report is nothing but interactive report…drilldown means above paragraph only.

11) How to pass the variables to forms?
12) What is the table, which contain the details of all the name of the programs and forms?

Table contains vertical and horizontal lines. We can store the data in table as blocks. We can scroll depends upon your wish. And these all are stored in database (data dictionary).

13.Which contain the details of all the name of the programs and forms? (I don’t know).
14) How did you test the form u developed? How did you taken print?
15) What are Standard Texts?
16) What is the difference between Clustered Tables and Pooled Tables?

A pooled table is used to combine several logical tables in the ABAP/4 dictionary. Pooled tables are logical tables that must be assigned to a table pool when they are defined.
Cluster table are logical tables that must be assigned to a table cluster when they are defined.
Cluster table can be used to store control data they can also used to store temporary data or text such as documentation.

17) What is pf-status?

Pf status is used in interactive report for enhancing the functionality. If we go to se41, we can get menus, items and different function keys, which we are using for secondary list in interactive report.

18) Among “Move” and “Move Corresponding”, which is efficient one?

I guess, ‘move corresponding’ is very efficient then ‘move’ statement. Because usually we use this stamtent for internal table fields only…so if we give move corresponding. Those fields only moving to other place (what ever you want).

19) What are the output type and Tcodes?
20) Where we use Chain and End chain?
21) Do you use select statement in loop end loop, how will be the performance? To improve the performance?

1. How data is stored in cluster table?

Each field of cluster table behaves as tables which contains the no. of entries.

2. What are client dependant objects in abap/sap?

SAP Script layout, text element, and some DDIC objects.

3. On which even we can validate the input fields in module programs?

In PAI (Write field statement on field you want to validate, if you want to validate group of fields put in chain and End chain statement.)

4. In selection screen I have three fields, plant mat no and material group. If I input plant how do I get the mat no and material group based on plant dynamically?

AT SELECTION-SCREEN ON VALUE-REQUEST FOR MATERIAL. CALL FUNCTION ‘F4IF_INT_TABLE_VALUE_REQUEST’ to get material and material group for the plant.

5. How do you get output from IDOC?

Data in IDOc is stored in segments, the output from Idoc is obtained by reading the data stored in its respective segments.

6. When top of the page event is triggered?

After executing first write statement in start-of-selection event.

7. Can we create field without data element and how?

In SE11 one option is available above the fields strip. Data element/ direct type.

8. How do we debug sapscript?

Go to SE71 give lay set name , go to utilities select debugger mode on.

9. Which transaction code can I used to analyze the performance of ABAP program.

TCode AL21.

10. How can I copy a standard table to make my own z_table.

Go to transaction SE11. Then there is one option to copy table. Press that button. Enter the name of the standard table and in the Target table enter Z table name and press enter.

11. What is the use of ‘outerjoin’

Ans. With the use of outer join you can join the tables even there is no entry in all the tables used in the view. In case of inner join there should be an entry in al the tables use in the view.

12. When to use logical database?

Ans. Advantage of Logical databases: less coding s required to retrieve data compared to normal internal tables. Tables used LDB are in hierarchical structure.

13. What is the use of ‘table index’?

Ans .Index is used for faster access of data base tables.

14. What is the use of ‘FOR ALL ENTRIES’?

Ans. To avoid nested select statements we use SELECT FOR ALL ENTRIES statement. If there r more than 10000 records SELECT FOR ALL ENTRIES is used. Performance wise SELECT FOR ALL ENTRIES is better to use.

15. Can you set up background processing using CALL TRANSACTION?

Yes,Using No Screen Mode.

16. What are table buffers?

Table buffers reside locally on each application server in the system. The data of buffered tables can thus be accessed directly from the buffer of the application server. This avoids the time-consuming process of accessing the database. Buffering is useful if table needs to be accessed more no. of times in a program.

17. How do I set a flag for a field in any table?

Create a char field of length 1. for example field STAS-LKENZ is Deletion Indicator. It means that if the value in the field is ‘X’ then that record has been deleted.

18. Can I execute user exits? If yes, how?

Yes you can. after finding the user exit, you need to use, goto CMOD add ur user-exit to your project. Then activate the FM which you require. Now go into that function module there will be a Include program wit name ZX* . Double click on it, it will ask to create an object, answer it Yes and then write your code in it.

19. How do I find the output type of a table or a program?

Table TNAPR / NAST

22. What are variables?

Variables are parameters of a query that are set in the parameter query definition and are not filled with values until the queries are inserted into workbooks. There are different types of variables which are used in different application: Characteristics variables, Hierarchies and hierarchy node, Texts, Formulas, Processing types, User entry/Default type, Replacement Path.

23. What is AWB?. What is its purpose?

AWB stands for Administrator WorkBench. AWB is a tool for controlling, monitoring and maintaining all the processes connected with data staging and processing in the business information warehousing.

24. What is the significance of ODS in BIW?

An ODS Object serves to store consolidated and debugged transaction data on a document level (atomic level). It describes a consolidated dataset from one or more InfoSources. This dataset can be analyzed with a BEx Query or InfoSet Query. The data of an ODS Object can be updated with a delta update into InfoCubes and/or other ODS Objects in the same system or across systems. In contrast to multi-dimensional data storage with InfoCubes, the data in ODS Objects is stored in transparent, flat database tables.

25. What are the different types of source system?

SAP R/3 Source Systems, SAP BW, Flat Files and External Systems.

26. What is Extractor?

Extractors is a data retrieval mechanisms in the SAP source system. Which can fill the extract structure of a data source with the data from the SAP source system datasets. The extractor may be able to supply data to more fields than exist in the extract structure.

27.What are internal tables ? How do you get the number of lines in an internal table ? How to use a specific number occurs statement ?

28.How do you take care of performance issues in your ABAP programs ?

29.What are datasets ?

30.How to find the return code of a statement in ABAP programs?

31.What are interface/conversion programs in SAP?

32.Have you used SAP supplied programs to load master data?

33.What are the techniques involved in using SAP supplied programs? Do you prefer to write your own programs to load master data? Why?

34.What are logical databases? What are the advantages/disadvantages of logical databases?

35.What specific statements do you use when writing a drill-down report ?

36.What are different tools to report data in SAP? What all have you used?

37.What are the advantages and disadvantages of ABAP/4 query tools?

38.What are the functional areas ? User groups ? How does ABAP/4 work in relation to these?

39.How do you validate the selection criteria of a report?

40.What are selection texts?

41.What is CTS and what do you know about it ?

42.When a program is created and need to be transported to production, does selection texts always go with it ? if not, how do you make sure ? Can you change the CTS entries ? How do you do it ?

43.What is the client concept in SAP?What is the meaning of client independent?

44.Are programs client dependent?

45.Name a few system global variables you can use in ABAP programs?

12. Explain open SQL vs native SQL?

ABAP Native SQL allows you to include database-specific SQL statements in an ABAP program. Most ABAP programs containing database-specific SQL statements do not run with different databases. If different databases are involved, use Open SQL. To execute ABAP Native SQL in an ABAP program, use the statement EXEC. Open SQL (Subset of standard SQL statements), allows you to access all database tables available in the R/3 System, regardless of the manufacturer. To avoid conflicts between database tables and to keep ABAP programs independent from the database system used, SAP has generated its own set of SQL statements known as Open SQL.

13. What are datasets?

The sequential files (processed on application server) are called datasets. They are used for file handling in SAP.

14. What are internal tables check table, value table, and transparent table?

Internal table: It is a standard data type object, which exists only during the runtime of the program. Check table: Check table will be at field level checking. Value table: Value table will be at domain level checking ex: scarr table is check table for carrid. Transparent table: - Exists with the same structure both in dictionary as well as in database exactly with the same data and fields.

15. What are the major benefits of reporting with BW over R/3? Would it be sufficient just to Web-enable R/3 Reports?

Performance — Heavy reporting along with regular OLTP transactions can produce a lot of load both on the R/3 and the database (cpu, memory, disks, etc). Just take a look at the load put on your system during a month end, quarter end, or year-end — now imagine that occurring even more frequently. Data analysis — BW uses a Data Warehouse and OLAP concepts for storing and analyzing data, where R/3 was designed for transaction processing. With a lot of work you can get the same analysis out of R/3 but most likely would be easier from a BW.

16. How can an ERP such as SAP help a business owner learn more about how business operates?

In order to use an ERP system, a business person must understand the business processes and how they work together from one functional area to the other. This knowledge gives the student a much deeper understanding of how a business operates. Using SAP as a tool to learn about ERP systems will require that the people understand the business processes and how they integrate.

17. What is the difference between OLAP and Data Mining?

OLAP - On line Analytical processing is a reporting tool configured to understand your database schema ,composition facts and dimensions . By simple point-n-clicking, a user can run any number of canned or user-designed reports without having to know anything of SQL or the schema. Because of that prior configuration, the OLAP engine “builds” and executes the appropriate SQL. Mining is to build the application to specifically look at detailed analyses, often algorithmic; even more often misappropriate called “reporting.

18. What is Extended Star Schema and how did it emerge?

The Star Schema consists of the Dimension Tables and the Fact Table. The Master Data related tables are kept in separate tables, which has reference to the characteristics in the dimension table(s). These separate tables for master data is termed as the Extended Star Schema.

19. Define Meta data, Master data and Transaction data

Meta Data: Data that describes the structure of data or MetaObjects is called Metadata. In other words data about data is known as Meta Data. Master Data: Master data is data that remains unchanged over a long period of time. It contains information that is always needed in the same way. Characteristics can bear master data in BW. With master data you are dealing with attributes, texts or hierarchies. Transaction data: Data relating to the day-to-day transactions is the Transaction data.

20. Name some drawbacks of SAP

Interfaces are huge problem, Determine where master data resides, Expensive, very complex, demands highly trained staff, lengthy implementation time.

21. What is Bex?

Bex stands for Business Explorer. Bex enables end user to locate reports, view reports, analyze information and can execute queries. The queries in workbook can be saved to there respective roles in the Bex browser. Bex has the following components: Bex Browser, Bex analyzer, Bex Map, Bex Web.

1. What is ERP?

ERP is a package with the techniques and concepts for the integrated management of business as a whole, for effective use of management resources, to improve the efficiency of an enterprise. Initially, ERP was targeted for manufacturing industry mainly for planning and managing core business like production and financial market. As the growth and merits of ERP package ERP software is designed for basic process of a company from manufacturing to small shops with a target of integrating information across the company.

2. Different types of ERP?

SAP, BAAN, JD Edwards, Oracle Financial, Siebel, PeopleSoft. Among all the ERPs most of the companies implemented or trying to implement SAP because of number of advantages aver other ERP packages.

3. What is SAP?

SAP is the name of the company founded in 1972 under the German name (Systems, Applications, and Products in Data Processing) is the leading ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) software package.

4. Explain the concept of “Business Content” in SAP Business Information Warehouse?

Business Content is a pre-configured set of role and task-relevant information models based on consistent Metadata in the SAP Business Information Warehouse. Business Content provides selected roles within a company with the information they need to carry out their tasks. These information models essentially contain roles, workbooks, queries, InfoSources, InfoCubes, key figures, characteristics, update rules and extractors for SAP R/3, mySAP.com Business Applications and other selected applications.

5. Why do you usually choose to implement SAP?

There are number of technical reasons numbers of companies are planning to implement SAP. It’s highly configurable, highly secure data handling, min data redundancy, max data consistency, you can capitalize on economics of sales like purchasing, tight integration-cross function.

6. Can BW run without a SAP R/3 implementation?

Certainly. You can run BW without R/3 implementation. You can use pre-defined business content in BW using your non-SAP data. Here you simply need to map the transfer structures associated with BW data sources (InfoCubes, ODS tables) to the inbound data files or use 3rd part tool to connect your flat files and other data sources and load data in BW. Several third party ETL products such as Acta, Informatica, DataStage and others will have been certified to load data in BW.

7. What is IDES?

International Demonstration and Education System. A sample application provided for faster learning and implementation.

8. What is WF and its importance?

Business Work Flow: Tool for automatic control and execution of cross-application processes. This involves coordinating the persons involved, the work steps required, the data, which needs to be processed (business objects). The main advantage is reduction in throughput times and the costs involved in managing business processes. Transparency and quality are enhanced by its use.

9. What is SAP R/3?

A third generation set of highly integrated software modules that performs common business function based on multinational leading practice. Takes care of any enterprise however diverse in operation, spread over the world. In R/3 system all the three servers like presentation, application server and database server are located at different system.

10. What are presentation, application and database servers in SAP R/3?

The application layer of an R/3 System is made up of the application servers and the message server. Application programs in an R/3 System are run on application servers. The application servers communicate with the presentation components, the database, and also with each other, using the message server. All the data are stored in a centralized server. This server is called database server.

11. What should be the approach for writing a BDC program?

Convert the legacy system data to a flat file and convert flat file into internal table. Transfer the flat file into sap system called “sap data transfer”. Call transaction(Write the program explicitly) or create sessions (sessions are created and processed ,if success data will transfer).

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