SAP S/4HANA offers a powerful and flexible data modeling environment that leverages advanced technologies to enable real-time analytics and transactional processing. Two key concepts in this environment are Core Data Services (CDS) views and HANA views. Understanding how to work with CDS views and HANA views is essential for maximizing the capabilities of SAP S/4HANA and delivering performant, scalable business solutions.
Core Data Services (CDS) views are a semantic layer for defining and consuming data models directly on the SAP HANA database. They are created using a domain-specific language based on SQL, extended with annotations for business semantics, UI, and analytics. CDS views integrate tightly with the ABAP programming model and are the preferred modeling approach in SAP S/4HANA for building reusable, extensible, and rich data definitions.
HANA views are native SAP HANA database views created using SAP HANA Studio or SAP HANA Web IDE. They are designed to provide various ways of modeling data at the database layer, including:
HANA views serve as the foundation for high-performance data access and analytics directly on the HANA database.
| Aspect | CDS Views | HANA Views |
|---|---|---|
| Development Environment | ABAP Development Tools (ADT) in Eclipse | SAP HANA Studio/Web IDE |
| Language | SQL-based with ABAP CDS extensions | SQLScript and graphical modeling |
| Integration | Fully integrated with ABAP and S/4HANA | Native to SAP HANA database |
| Annotations | Rich annotations for UI, security, analytics | Limited UI annotations |
| Reusability | High, with layered and extensible models | More technical and database-focused |
| Use Case | Preferred for SAP S/4HANA transactional and analytical apps | Primarily for complex analytic scenarios |
Both CDS views and HANA views are fundamental building blocks in SAP S/4HANA’s data modeling landscape. CDS views offer a high-level, semantically rich approach integrated with the ABAP environment, making them ideal for most SAP applications. HANA views provide powerful, low-level modeling capabilities for complex analytics and database tuning. By understanding and effectively using these views, organizations can unlock the full potential of SAP S/4HANA’s real-time data capabilities and drive better business outcomes.