Difference b/w Function modules and BAPI's

[Former Member]

Hi Experts,

i want the main defferences between Function modules and BAPIs,pls dont atttache any infromation i want answer in simple terms with 5 to 6 points.

Thanks in Advance?

chalapathi

[Former Member]

Difference between RFC and BAPI

BAPI are RFC enabled function modules. The difference between RFC and BAPI are business objects. You create business objects and those are then registered in your BOR (Business Object Repository) which can be accessed outside the SAP system by using some other applications (Non-SAP) such as VB or JAVA. In this case u only specify the business object and its method from external system. in BAPI there is no direct system call. While RFC are direct system call Some BAPIs provide basic functions and can be used for most SAP business object types. These BAPIs should be implemented the same for all business object types. Standardized BAPIs are easier to use and prevent users having to deal with a number of different BAPIs. Whenever possible, a standardized BAPI must be used in preference to an individual BAPI.

BAPI

BAPI stands for Business API(Application Program Interface).

A BAPI is remotely enabled function module

ie it can be invoked from remote programs like standalone JAVA programs, web interface etc..

You can make your function module remotely enabled in attributes of Function module but

A BAPI are standard SAP function modules provided by SAP for remote access.

Also they are part of Businees Objest Repository(BOR).

BAPI are RFC enabled function modules. the difference between RFc and BAPI are business objects.

You create business objects and those are then registered in your BOR (Business Object Repository)

which can be accessed outside the SAP system by using some other applications (Non-SAP) such as VB or JAVA.

In this case u only specify the business object and its method from external system

in BAPI there is no direct system call. while RFC are direct system call.

Some BAPIs provide basic functions and can be used for most SAP business object types.

These BAPIs should be implemented the same for all business object types.

Standardized BAPIs are easier to use and prevent users having to deal with a number of different BAPIs.

Whenever possible, a standardized BAPI must be used in preference to an individual BAPI.

check these links

http://searchsap.techtarget.com/ateQuestionNResponse/0,289625,sid21_cid558752_tax293481,00.html

http://www.sap-img.com/abap/interview-question-on-bapi-rfc-abap-objects-tables.htm

http://www.sap-img.com/fu033.htm

http://www.sap-img.com/abap/ale-bapi.htm

Remote Function Call:

RFC is an SAP interface protocol. Based on CPI-C, it considerably simplifies the programming of communication processes between systems.

RFCs enable you to call and execute predefined functions in a remote system - or even in the same system.

RFCs manage the communication process, parameter transfer and error handling.

http://help.sap.com/saphelp_47x200/helpdata/en/22/042860488911d189490000e829fbbd/frameset.htm.

Regards,

[Former Member]

Function modules are modularzation elements in the ABAP programming language. The encapsulate some function that can be reused. They provide an interface or signature in which to pass data to and from the function module. RFC is a remote enabled function module. All you need to do is set the flag on the attributes tab of the function module and you have an RFC.

A BAPI is nothing more than a function module. BAPIs usualy contain the logic for some business function, like "Create Sales Order", or "Change Purchase Order". Again they provide an interface to pass data to and get data from the BAPI. You will never see "Exceptions" in a BAPI as they are designed to be called from other systems, and may no be able to handle exceptions. Also, you will never see a BAPIs signature change. If SAP feels the need to change the signature of the BAPI, then will create a new bapi.

Example,

is BAPI_SALESORDER_CREATEFROMDAT1 and BAPI_SALESORDER_CREATEFROMDAT2. They won't change the signature, but they will create a new one and incorporate the change.

Function Modules --> A reuseable piece of code.

Ex. SD_DATETIME_DIFFERENCE.

BAPI --> Function Modules used for high traffic of for invoice transacctions.

Ex. GL_POSTING_POST.

<REMOVED BY MODERATOR>

Edited by: Alvaro Tejada Galindo on Feb 22, 2008 4:00 PM

[Former Member]

hi,

Function modules are for global modularization, that is, they are always called from a different program.

Function modules have clearly defined data interfaces to the calling program.

We can test function modules in a stand-alone mode independent of the calling program.

A BAPI is remotely enabled function module ie it can be invoked from remote programs like standalone JAVA programs, web interface etc..

You can make your function module remotely enabled in attributes of Function module but

A BAPI are standard SAP function modules provided by SAP for remote access. Part of BOR

BAPI are RFC enabled function modules. the difference between RFc and BAPI are business objects. You create business objects and those are then registered in your BOR (Business Object Repository) which can be accessed outside the SAP system by using some other applications (Non-SAP) such as VB or JAVA.

In this case u only specify the business object and its method from external system in BAPI there is no direct system call. W

RFC are direct system call Some BAPIs provide basic functions and can be used for most SAP business object types.

regards,

sreelakshmi.

[Former Member]

Hi,

Each Bapi Object has Interface, Key Fields, Attributes,Methods and Events.

Bapi Function Modules can be attached to these Bapi objects .Function module has a single bound functionality while a BAPI object can contain many functionalities

Regards,

Priya.