SAP Fiori Elements provide a powerful framework for rapidly developing SAP Fiori apps using metadata-driven UI generation. These apps leverage annotations from backend OData services to automatically create consistent, high-quality user interfaces with minimal frontend coding. However, while Fiori Elements apps excel in standard scenarios, business requirements often demand custom enhancements. This is where extending Fiori Elements apps comes into play—allowing developers to tailor apps to specific needs without sacrificing maintainability or upgradeability.
Fiori Elements apps are generated UI applications based on OData metadata and annotations defined in the backend. They include templates for common use cases such as list reports, object pages, analytical lists, and overview pages. The declarative approach accelerates development and enforces SAP Fiori design guidelines.
Modify or extend OData annotations to influence UI rendering. For example, adding new fields, changing labels, or adjusting layout through CDS views or metadata extensions.
Using SAP’s UI Adaptation tools (e.g., Key User Extensibility), users or developers can personalize forms, add/remove fields, or adjust UI controls without coding.
Enhance CDS views or OData services by adding custom fields or business logic that reflect in the generated UI.
Fiori Elements provide predefined extension points in the XML views, where developers can inject custom UI elements, JavaScript logic, or fragments without modifying the core generated code.
Add custom buttons on toolbars or object pages that execute bespoke functions, such as triggering workflows or opening dialogs.
Consult SAP documentation or app template guides to find extension points in the specific Fiori Elements app (e.g., BeforeLineItem in a list report).
Generate an extension project based on the Fiori Elements app or configure your project to include extension files.
Insert custom XML fragments at extension points to add new UI components.
Attach JavaScript logic in the extension controller to handle events, validation, or custom navigation.
Update CDS views or metadata extensions to add new properties or change UI behavior.
Validate the extended app for functionality, responsiveness, and compatibility with upgrades.
Extending SAP Fiori Elements apps provides the flexibility needed to meet unique business requirements while benefiting from the efficiency and consistency of metadata-driven development. By leveraging annotation extensions, UI adaptation, and extension points, developers can deliver tailored, maintainable enhancements that elevate the user experience without compromising the standard framework.