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SAP architecture · Lesson

Development system

Quick answer

DEV typically holds minimal or sample data; realistic volumes and integration testing belong in QAS.

Key takeaways

  • DEV is where functional consultants perform customizing (in SPRO) and developers write ABAP, build Fiori apps and create objects.
  • Because everything downstream depends on it, DEV needs discipline: changes captured in well-described transports, developments…
  • A customizing client where configuration is done and captured in transports.
  • Watch out: Configuring in the wrong client.

What happens in DEV

DEV is where functional consultants perform customizing (in SPRO) and developers write ABAP, build Fiori apps and create objects. Every change is recorded in a transport request, which becomes the vehicle to carry that change onward to QAS and PRD.

Clients within DEV

  • A customizing client where configuration is done and captured in transports.
  • A sandbox client for free experimentation (not transported).
  • Sometimes a golden/config-reference client kept clean.

DEV discipline

Because everything downstream depends on it, DEV needs discipline: changes captured in well-described transports, developments following naming standards, and configuration done in the correct client. Sloppy DEV practices cause chaotic transports and painful imports later.

DEV is not for realistic data

DEV typically holds minimal or sample data; realistic volumes and integration testing belong in QAS. DEV is about building, not proving.

Common pitfalls

  • Configuring in the wrong client.
  • Poorly described transports that are impossible to track.
  • Testing seriously in DEV instead of QAS.

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Check your understanding

  1. Which statement is true of Development system?

    • A. Loops let ABAP process data repeatedly, most importantly iterating over internal tables.
    • B. Every change is recorded in a transport request, which becomes the vehicle to carry that change onward to QAS…
    • C. SAP supports visual themes that change the look of the interface, in both SAP GUI and Fiori.
    Show answer

    B. Every change is recorded in a transport request, which becomes the vehicle to carry that change onward to QAS…

    Covered in the “What happens in DEV” section of this lesson.

  2. Which of these also applies to Development system?

    • A. Assuming one is universally better, fit depends on your needs.
    • B. Because everything downstream depends on it, DEV needs discipline: changes captured in well-described…
    • C. Reading tables directly instead of using CDS/reports where appropriate.
    Show answer

    B. Because everything downstream depends on it, DEV needs discipline: changes captured in well-described…

    Covered in the “DEV discipline” section of this lesson.

  3. Which part of the Learn SAP curriculum covers Development system?

    • A. SAP labs
    • B. SAP modules hub
    • C. SAP architecture
    Show answer

    C. SAP architecture

    This lesson sits in the SAP architecture section of the Learn SAP course.

Frequently asked questions

What does the term Development system refer to in SAP?

The Development (DEV) system is where all configuration and custom code originate. It is the first system in the landscape, the workshop in which consultants and developers build changes that will later be tested and moved to production.

What is the Fiori angle on Development system?

DEV is where functional consultants perform customizing (in SPRO) and developers write ABAP, build Fiori apps and create objects.

What is involved in configuring Development system?

A customizing client where configuration is done and captured in transports. A sandbox client for free experimentation (not transported). Sometimes a golden/config-reference client kept clean.

What tends to go wrong with Development system?

Configuring in the wrong client. Poorly described transports that are impossible to track. Testing seriously in DEV instead of QAS.
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