Introduction
Building modern SAP Fiori applications has become easier, cleaner, and faster with RAP (RESTful Application Programming Model) and ABAP Cloud. In this guide, you’ll learn how RAP helps you build Fiori apps using a cloud-ready, scalable development model — directly from your ABAP environment.
What is RAP and Why Is It Important?
RAP enables developers to build:
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Modern Fiori apps
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OData-based services
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Cloud-ready business logic
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Scalable and lifecycle-stable extensions
It is SAP’s future-proof development model for both on-premise S/4HANA and SAP BTP ABAP Environment.
RAP Architecture Overview
RAP architecture is built on four main layers:
Data Modeling (CDS Views)
Behavior Definition (CRUD logic)
Service Definition & Binding
UI Consumption (Fiori Elements)
Step-by-Step Guide to Build a Fiori App Using RAP
Step 1 — Create a Data Model Using CDS Views
@EndUserText.label: ‘Travel Data’
define root view entity ZI_TRAVEL
{
key travel_id : abap.numc(8);
agency_id : abap.char(6);
customer_id : abap.char(10);
start_date : abap.dats;
end_date. : abap.dats;
}
Step 2 — Define Behavior (CRUD Operations)
define behavior for ZI_TRAVEL alias Travel
persistent table ztravel
lock master
{
create;
update;
delete;
}
Step 3 — Implement Behavior Logic
METHOD validateCreate.
IF travel-start_date > travel-end_date.
failed = abap_true.
ENDIF.
ENDMETHOD.
Step 4 — Expose as an OData Service
define service ZUI_TRAVEL {
expose ZI_TRAVEL;
}
Then create
service binding {
expose ZUI_TRAVEL as odata;
}
👉 This service is what Fiori Elements consumes.
Step 5 — Generate the Fiori App
In SAP BAS or Eclipse:
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Open the service binding
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Click Preview
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Generate a List Report & Object Page
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Deploy it to Fiori Launchpad
Your full Fiori app is ready — no custom UI5 code required!
Using ABAP Cloud for Deployment
ABAP Cloud ensures:
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BTP readiness
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Zero modification principles
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Upgrade stability
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Lifecycle-safe extensions
You can deploy RAP apps to:
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S/4HANA Public Cloud
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S/4HANA On-premise (Embedded Steampunk)
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SAP BTP ABAP Environment
Advantages of Using RAP for Fiori App Development
Faster development (Fiori Elements auto-generates UI)
Standardized architecture
Built-in OData support
Clean ABAP principles
Easy extensibility
Cloud-ready by default
When Should You Use RAP?
Use RAP when:
Creating new Fiori apps
Building cloud-compliant extensions
Exposing OData services
Migrating old ABAP logic
Designing applications with complex validation logic
RAP should be your first choice for any new SAP Fiori development.
