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SAP reference · Lesson

CDS views

Quick answer

The CDS virtual data model is the backbone of S/4HANA data access, analytics and Fiori.

Key takeaways

  • SAP delivers a large virtual data model of CDS views (interface views prefixed I_, consumption views C_, private P_, etc.
  • Use ADT (Eclipse) to browse and preview CDS views.
  • Check the view’s fields, associations and annotations.
  • Watch out: Guessing instead of using the reference tools.

What it is

SAP delivers a large virtual data model of CDS views (interface views prefixed I_, consumption views C_, private P_, etc.) that expose S/4HANA data for reuse, analytics and OData. Custom views (Z_/Y_) build on them. Each view has fields, associations and annotations.

How to find/use it

  • Use ADT (Eclipse) to browse and preview CDS views.
  • Check the view’s fields, associations and annotations.
  • Prefer released interface views (I_) as reuse sources.
  • Use the data preview to see the data a view returns.

Why it matters

The CDS virtual data model is the backbone of S/4HANA data access, analytics and Fiori. Knowing how to find and reuse released CDS views (rather than querying raw tables) is central to modern development and a growing reference need.

Common pitfalls

  • Guessing instead of using the reference tools.
  • Editing/using without understanding the object.
  • Relying on memory for details you can look up.

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 CDS views?

    • A. SAP TM (Transportation Management) plans, executes and settles the transportation of goods, freight…
    • B. These SAP MCQ (multiple-choice question) banks help you prepare for certification exams and interviews…
    • C. ) that expose S/4HANA data for reuse, analytics and OData.
    Show answer

    C. ) that expose S/4HANA data for reuse, analytics and OData.

    Covered in the “What it is” section of this lesson.

  2. Which of these also applies to CDS views?

    • A. Identical themes across systems, easy to act in the wrong one.
    • B. Custom views (Z_/Y_) build on them.
    • C. Using the wrong variant (create vs change vs display).
    Show answer

    B. Custom views (Z_/Y_) build on them.

    Covered in the “What it is” section of this lesson.

  3. Which part of the Learn SAP curriculum covers CDS views?

    • A. SAP examples
    • B. SAP projects
    • C. SAP reference
    Show answer

    C. SAP reference

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

Frequently asked questions

What does CDS views mean in the ABAP reference?

CDS views are the modern SAP data models; this reference explains finding and understanding the many SAP-delivered (and custom) CDS views (the "I_", "C_", "P_" views).

What is connected to CDS views in an SAP landscape?

SAP delivers a large virtual data model of CDS views (interface views prefixed I_, consumption views C_, private P_, etc.

What is another point to note about CDS views?

The CDS virtual data model is the backbone of S/4HANA data access, analytics and Fiori.

What tends to go wrong with CDS views in the ABAP reference?

Guessing instead of using the reference tools. Editing/using without understanding the object. Relying on memory for details you can look up.
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