Script: The Matrix for ABAP [004]

Welcome to today's episode on the topic of ABAP Matrix.

Introduction

Before we get into the ABAP Feature Matrix, here's a brief overview of what you actually need the information for. There are now various forms of S/4 systems. If you're still using an ECC system, there's really only the on-premises variant, which customers usually operate themselves. If you're transforming to S/4HANA, you now have three variants available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

• S/4HANA - The majority of those who have already completed their S/4 project probably started with an any-premises version. The system is hosted by the customer or by a service provider; any type of development, whether classic or ABAP Cloud, can be carried out. Modifications and enhancements are still permitted.
• S/4HANA Cloud Private Edition - The system is hosted by a hyperscaler and operated by SAP via a RISE contract. However, some tasks are still the responsibility of the customer and must be performed independently or commissioned from SAP. From a development perspective, everything can still be done, but ABAP Cloud is recommended by SAP.
• S/4HANA Cloud Public Edition - The operation of the system is entirely SAP's responsibility. As a customer, you only have the option of implementing extensions with ABAP Cloud; modifications and enhancements are no longer possible.
• SAP BTP ABAP Environment - This is an ABAP runtime environment in the BTP that does not contain any business modules, except for the Core and Business Partner. Development can only be carried out with ABAP Cloud, as with the Public Edition.

The ABAP Environment receives updates every 3 months, the Public Edition every 6 months, and upgrades are available for the rest every 2 years. Since the on-premises customer can determine their own update period and version, the ABAP Feature Matrix is especially needed when systems are at different release levels. Then you should know the different features available for each release.

ABAP Feature Matrix

You can find the ABAP Feature Matrix on our website in the SAP area, either via the SAP landing page or the short link in the menu. If you execute the request directly, the features are structured and visualized for all releases and all areas. Each individual block shows the various features in order and from which release they are available.

Let's now look at the class area and examine parallelization. The CL_ABAP_PARALLEL class has been officially available since release 1909, but was downported to 1511. Before that, however, the class was not available. In the front section, you'll find two links. The first link leads to the GitHub Wiki, where you'll find general and additional information, such as the note number for the download. The second link usually leads to the SAP Help page. If there's no information available for this feature, it usually refers to a community blog post. In some cases, however, no information could be found.

Using the settings in the upper area, you can also adjust the settings to your release and, for example, restrict the scope. You'll then receive a concise overview of the features that are already working and which aren't.

GitHub

If you'd like more information and insights into the repository, you can also visit the GitHub Repository. All the information you see in the matrix is defined there in technical form as JSON. In the "config" folder, you'll find the settings, such as the various files, releases, or statuses that you see in the list at the end. This folder also contains the documentation, where you'll find further information on the structure of the repository.

Under "Content," you'll find the actual matrix, which is divided into different areas. Let's take a look at the ABAP Cloud area, for example. The various features are listed here with their release. You'll also find information about the wiki and the official site, if available.

ABAP Learning Matrix

The ABAP Learning Matrix builds on the Feature Matrix and uses the information to show you only the new features between two releases. The idea is that you select your current release and the target release you're currently moving to or upgrading your systems to. As a result, you will receive a list of the new features that will then be available to you, along with the corresponding links to the documentation.

This allows you to familiarize yourself with the differences and new possibilities before upgrading and to know what will be available in the next release.

Conclusion

The ABAP Feature Matrix and the ABAP Learning Matrix are intended to give you the opportunity to understand the differences between the releases and provide an easy way to check whether a feature is available in the current release. There will still be some gaps in the list. If you find any, please open an issue in the repository.

Thanks for watching, and see you next time.

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