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