SAP glossary · LessonReviewed by Ravi M, SAP Trainer, 10 yrs · Updated · Published · SAP S/4HANA 2023 · all levels
SAP Glossary
The vocabulary of SAP, in plain language. Keep this glossary open while you work through the modules; it defines the terms that most often trip up newcomers.
Quick answer
One-line definitions of the SAP terms every lesson assumes: ERP, S/4HANA and ECC, client, landscape, transport, master against transaction data, TCode, module, SPRO and the IMG, Fiori, ABAP, CDS and OData, BAPI, RFC and IDoc, and HANA. Each links to its full lesson; the line here is a reminder rather than the explanation.
Key takeaways
- Watch out: Treating one-line definitions as complete.
Core terms
- ERP: enterprise resource planning, integrated business software.
- S/4HANA / ECC: current vs previous ERP generation.
- Client: a self-contained data tenant in a system.
- Landscape: the DEV/QAS/PRD systems.
- Transport: a package of changes moved between systems.
- Master vs transaction data: stable reference data vs business events.
Development and integration
- ABAP: SAP’s programming language.
- CDS / OData: modern data modeling / the REST protocol for Fiori.
- BAPI / RFC / IDoc: classic integration mechanisms.
- HANA: the in-memory database.
How to use it
Definitions here are one line each; follow the concept to its full lesson for depth. Refer back whenever a term is unfamiliar.
Common pitfalls
- Treating one-line definitions as complete.
- Confusing master and transaction data.
- Mixing up system, client and instance.