SAP Coding standards
Coding standards keep ABAP (and other) code correct, performant, secure and maintainable, essential because custom code is where most problems and upgrade pain originate.
SAP coding standards exist because custom code runs in the hottest paths and is what breaks at upgrade: no SELECT in a loop and efficient internal tables, small object-oriented methods with clear names, null-safe code with class-based exceptions, ABAP Unit tests and ATC checks, and enhancements or BAdIs rather than modified standard. Disciplined code is an asset.
- Watch out: a standard that no check enforces is a suggestion, and suggestions decay.
Key practices
- Follow performance rules (no SELECT-in-loop; efficient internal tables).
- Write object-oriented, small, single-purpose methods; clear naming.
- Be null-safe and handle errors via class-based exceptions.
- Write ABAP Unit tests; use static checks (ATC/Code Inspector).
- Extend, don’t modify, standard, use enhancements/BAdIs and clean-core techniques.
Why it matters
Custom code runs in the hottest paths and is what breaks on upgrades. Disciplined, tested, clean-core-compliant code is far easier to maintain, performs well, and survives upgrades, the difference between an asset and a liability.
Common pitfalls
- Skipping the discipline under delivery pressure.
- Not documenting decisions.
- Ignoring the clean-core principle.