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SAP best practices · Lesson

Coding standards

Quick answer

Custom code runs in the hottest paths and is what breaks on upgrades.

Key takeaways

  • 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.
  • Watch out: Skipping the discipline under delivery pressure.

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.

Want to learn this properly?

Our live, instructor-led SAP Training covers this hands-on, with real projects and a certification path.

Check your understanding

  1. Which statement is true of Coding standards?

    • A. Disciplined, tested, clean-core-compliant code is far easier to maintain, performs well, and survives…
    • B. The delivery document in SD manages the outbound movement of goods to the customer, picking, packing and…
    • C. Debugging lets you step through ABAP and inspect data at runtime.
    Show answer

    A. Disciplined, tested, clean-core-compliant code is far easier to maintain, performs well, and survives…

    Covered in the “Why it matters” section of this lesson.

  2. Which of these also applies to Coding standards?

    • A. Following steps without understanding the concept.
    • B. Using the wrong variant (create vs change vs display).
    • C. Write ABAP Unit tests; use static checks (ATC/Code Inspector).
    Show answer

    C. Write ABAP Unit tests; use static checks (ATC/Code Inspector).

    Covered in the “Key practices” section of this lesson.

  3. Which part of the Learn SAP curriculum covers Coding standards?

    • A. SAP best practices
    • B. SAP architecture
    • C. SAP TCodes
    Show answer

    A. SAP best practices

    This lesson sits in the SAP best practices section of the Learn SAP course.

Frequently asked questions

What does the term Coding standards refer to in SAP?

Coding standards keep ABAP (and other) code correct, performant, secure and maintainable, essential because custom code is where most problems and upgrade pain originate.

What is another point to note about Coding standards?

Custom code runs in the hottest paths and is what breaks on upgrades.

What else is worth knowing about Coding standards?

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.

What tends to go wrong with Coding standards?

Skipping the discipline under delivery pressure. Not documenting decisions. Ignoring the clean-core principle.
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