SAP Core Data Services (SAP CDS)

SAP Core Data Services (SAP CDS) — A compre­hensive overview

SAP Core Data Services (CDS) are a central technology for data modeling in the SAP system. They were intro­duced to easily handle seman­ti­cally complex types of business and other data objects. The CDS components extend the SQL standard with functions that standardize the tradi­tional transac­tional and analy­tical models for data definition, data retrieval and data manipu­lation. The data models in SAP CDS are expressed in Data Definition Language (DDL) and defined as so-called CDS views. These views can be used in SAP ABAP appli­ca­tions for database access. SAP CDS includes domain-specific languages such as Data Definition Language (DDL), Query Language (QL) and Expression Language (EL). SAP CDS offers a variety of benefits, including fast processing of more complex data through in-memory availa­bility, centra­lized control, flexi­bility in database selection and the elimi­nation of redun­dancies through the use of a unified Data Definition Language (DDL). Furthermore, there are different types of CDS views, including basic interface views, composite interface views, consumption views, private views and extension include views, each with different purposes and use cases. Overall, SAP Core Data Services provide a powerful way to define, query and manipulate complex data models and are critical for organiza­tions planning a move to S/4HANA.

SAP Core Data Services (CDS) in practice

Core Data Services (CDS) represent an infra­structure with which seman­ti­cally compre­hensive data models can be defined and consumed in SAP HANA. The focus of future data processing is shifted to the database level through code pushdown. This means that calcu­la­tions on the database layer — instead of the appli­cation layer — retrieve data faster. This change required new data modeling, as ABAP Dictionary Views are limited to the appli­cation layer. HANA CDS views offer new possi­bi­lities here. In the SAP HANA system landscape, the HANA Core Data Services (CDS) are part of the Extended Appli­cation Services (XS). HANA CDS is an infra­structure for data modeling and refers to a seman­ti­cally rich data definition language (DDL). The main focus of CDS is on the separation of design and runtime objects, which ensures the automatic modeling of objects. This means that the defined objects can be consumed independently of the technology. The HANA Core Data Services always operate on SAP HANA itself.

Capabi­lities of HANA Core Data Services (CDS)

HANA Core Data Services provide a flexible and powerful way to model and abstract data in the SAP HANA database. Developers typically use the technology to integrate business logic and appli­cation logic into SAP appli­ca­tions. The technology allows developers to define business logic in the database, which is parti­cu­larly useful when appli­ca­tions need to access complex business rules. For example, data can be trans­formed and calcu­lated in CDS views to support complex business logic. In addition, HANA CDS provide a consistent and standar­dized interface to access data in the HANA database. Overall, HANA Core Data Services (CDS) provide a powerful way to define and utilize data models and are critical for organiza­tions seeking efficient and powerful data processing in SAP HANA.

Conclusion about SAP Core Data Services (CDS)

SAP Core Data Services (CDS) provide a powerful way to define, query and manipulate complex data models. The CDS components extend the SQL standard with functions that unify the tradi­tional transac­tional and analy­tical models for data definition, data query and data manipu­lation [2] . Using CDS offers a variety of benefits, including rapid processing of more complex data through in-memory availa­bility, centra­lized control, flexi­bility in database selection, and elimi­nation of redun­dancies through the use of a unified Data Definition Language (DDL). HANA Core Data Services (CDS) provide a flexible and powerful way to model and abstract data in the SAP HANA database. Developers typically use the technology to integrate business logic and appli­cation logic into SAP appli­ca­tions. The technology allows developers to define business logic in the database, which is parti­cu­larly useful when appli­ca­tions need to access complex business rules. In summary, HANA CDS is a powerful technology that helps developers effec­tively model, abstract and process data in the HANA database. Although CDS is primarily used by developers, business users can also benefit from it by being able to access uniform, standar­dized data. Overall, SAP Core Data Services (CDS) and HANA Core Data Services (CDS) provide a powerful way to define and utilize data models and are critical for organiza­tions seeking efficient and powerful data processing in SAP HANA.

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