Last updated: October 2026 Β· 3 min read
ABAP is SAP’s programming language. Modern interviews test both classic ABAP and newer topics like CDS views, ABAP on HANA, the RESTful Application Programming Model (RAP) and clean-core extensibility. Here are the questions you are most likely to face.
Classic ABAP essentials
| Topic | Key points |
|---|---|
| Data Dictionary (SE11) | Tables, views, data elements, domains, search helps, lock objects |
| Internal tables | Standard, sorted and hashed; work areas; field symbols |
| Reports | Classical, interactive, ALV |
| Modularisation | Subroutines (obsolete), function modules, methods |
| Dialog programming | Screens, PBO/PAI, module pool |
| Forms | SmartForms, Adobe Forms |
| Data transfer | BDC, LSMW (legacy), BAPIs, migration cockpit |
Top interview questions and answers
1. Difference between standard, sorted and hashed internal tables?
Standard tables use index access and linear search; sorted tables keep a sorted key with binary search; hashed tables use a unique key with constant-time access, ideal for large lookups.
2. What is a BAPI?
A Business Application Programming Interface: a standard, RFC-enabled function module of a business object, used for integrations such as creating sales orders.
3. User exit vs customer exit vs BAdI vs enhancement point?
User exits are old includes in SD; customer exits use SMOD/CMOD; BAdIs are object-oriented enhancements (classic and new kernel BAdIs); implicit and explicit enhancement points allow code insertion without modification.
4. What are CDS views?
Core Data Services views define data models on the database with annotations for analytics, OData and UI. They push logic down to SAP HANA (code-to-data).
5. What is AMDP?
ABAP Managed Database Procedures let you write SQLScript inside ABAP classes for complex HANA-side processing.
6. What is RAP?
The ABAP RESTful Application Programming Model for building Fiori apps and APIs using CDS, behaviour definitions and service bindings, in S/4HANA and SAP BTP ABAP Environment.
7. What does clean core mean?
Keeping the SAP standard core unmodified and building extensions using released APIs, key-user tools and side-by-side extensions on BTP, so upgrades stay easy.
8. How do you improve performance in ABAP on HANA?
Use Open SQL with field lists and WHERE clauses, avoid SELECT in loops, use FOR ALL ENTRIES carefully or joins, use CDS/AMDP for heavy logic, and check with SQL Monitor and SAT.
9. What is the difference between SAP memory and ABAP memory?
SAP memory (SET/GET PARAMETER) is shared across sessions of a user; ABAP memory (EXPORT/IMPORT) is shared within a call sequence in one session.
10. What are ABAP Unit tests?
Test classes inside programs that verify methods automatically, part of quality checks with ATC.
Test yourself: scored ABAP quiz
Interview tips
- Show one optimisation you did with before/after runtime.
- Explain a RAP or CDS-based Fiori app you built.
- Discuss how you used ATC and code reviews.
- Be ready to write a small SELECT and LOOP on a whiteboard.
Frequently asked questions
Is ABAP still in demand?
Yes. Every S/4HANA customer needs ABAP for extensions, migrations and integrations, and modern ABAP skills (CDS, RAP, BTP) are especially valued.
What is the difference between SE38 and SE80?
SE38 edits programs; SE80 is the Object Navigator for all development objects.
Can ABAP be used on SAP BTP?
Yes, through the SAP BTP ABAP Environment (Steampunk) using cloud-ready ABAP.
Keep exploring
- SAP BTP and CPI interview questions
- SAP S/4HANA explained
- SAP Solution Architect guide
- More SAP Interview Prep articles on Tiwaripedia
Facts are based on widely accepted official, scientific and historical sources at the time of writing. Spotted something that needs updating? Let us know.
