What is the RAP generator and what is it used for?
Developing applications with the ABAP RESTful Application Programming Model (RAP) can be complex. Developers who are new to the RAP world in particular often face the challenge of creating a complete, functional application from scratch. This is where the RAP Generator comes in.
A central feature of modern ABAP development is the large number of objects - so-called artifacts - that are created in the process. An example: An artifact defines the fields at header level, but an additional object is required so that these fields are also relevant for the search. This can quickly become confusing, especially for beginners, and there is a risk of overlooking an important object. Our recommendation: Use the RAP generator.
The RAP Generator is a tool that automatically creates a basic structure for RAP-based applications. It generates the necessary code for the data model, business logic and service provision so that developers do not have to start from scratch. Best practices are taken into account so that the generated applications correspond directly to the architecture specifications of RAP.
The special feature: The RAP Generator significantly reduces manual effort and minimizes sources of error that can arise when manually creating the numerous necessary artefacts. The tool helps to lower the entry hurdle, especially when switching from classic ABAP applications to the modern, cloud-capable RAP architecture.
The idea behind it: The developer should have more time to concentrate on the business logic - because that is where the real added value lies.
The RAP Generator is used via ABAP Development Tools (ADT) in Eclipse*. The tool can be used there to automatically create the required RAP objects and integrate them into the existing development system.
The current version is limited to a base table. Subordinate tables (parent-child) can be added. An extension is expected in the future.
What benefits does the RAP Generator offer?
The RAP Generator offers a number of advantages for developers and companies that rely on RAP:
Instead of manually creating numerous RAP-specific artifacts such as CDS views, behavior definitions and service bindings, the RAP Generator takes over this process. This allows applications to be developed much faster.
The generated code follows the proven principles of RAP development and helps to avoid inconsistencies. This makes maintenance easier and promotes uniform code quality within the team.
Objects are created according to the naming convention specified during generation.
Change fields are automatically added and filled in accordingly.
Typical errors that can occur when creating a RAP application - such as forgotten annotations or incorrect service definitions - are avoided because the tool automatically creates valid structures.
Developers who are not yet deeply familiar with RAP will benefit in particular. They receive a functional basis that they can expand and adapt step by step instead of having to struggle through complex documentation.
For companies that want to test RAP or create proof-of-concepts, the generator offers a quick way to develop functional applications with minimal effort.
The RAP Generator is currently not part of the SAP standard development environment. Nevertheless, it fits in well with the concept of making changes in the S/4HANA system via a Fiori app (similar to Key User Tools or the Fiori app for adding new fields to OData).
Where do I start?
As already mentioned, the RAP Generator is not a tool from the SAP standard, but an add-on provided by SAP employees. The RAP Generator must be installed in the SAP system via GitLab. Further information can be found on the following portals: GitHub and SAP Community.
The RAP generator reduces manual effort and allows the developer to focus on Business logic.
Summary
The RAP Generator is a valuable tool for anyone working with RAP - whether they are beginners or experienced developers. It speeds up development, reduces errors and ensures a standardized code base. At a time when the modernization of ABAP applications is becoming increasingly important, the RAP Generator is a real relief for development teams and companies that want to enter the RAP world efficiently.
