What is the difference between RFC and BAPI?.

[Former Member]

What is the difference between RFC and BAPI?.

[Former Member]

What is the difference between RFC and BAPI?.

[anversha_s]

hi,

<b><i>Remote Function Call:</i></b>

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.

<b><i>BAPI</i></b>

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.

rgds

Anver

[Former Member]

Hi Sathish,

Technically speaking, both are remote enabled functions that can be accessed from outside of SAP. But functionally speaking, BAPIs are a little bit more specific than RFCs

<b>RFC: </b>is just a FM that can be called from remote system too(destination defined in transaction SM59).

<b>BAPI: </b>Business Application Programming Interface

A BAPI is a method of a business object defined in the Business Object Repository (BOR). For example, in the BOR, you can find a business object called SalesOrder, which conceptually represents a sales order in the system. A business object typically has several methods that can be used to read, create, modify a particular instance of the business object, or list instances of the business object matching certain selection criteria. These methods are BAPIs.

Technically, a BAPI is implemented using a RFM. But, unlike the non-BAPI RFMs, a BAPI is usually well documented, has nicer parameter names, and is supported by SAP for several SAP software releases. You can browse Business objects and BAPIs in the SAP system using transaction BAPI.

Hope this helps you,

Pragya

[Former Member]

Hi Sathish,

Further to the points specified above

BAPI is object oriented. It is placed under Business objects as methods.

RFC is just a Function module or a call.

Regards

Arun