Regarding BAPIs

[Former Member]

Hi all,

1) what is the difference btn BAPI and BDC

2) what is the difference btn a function module and RFC

3) what is the difference btn a function module and BAPI

Tahnks in advance

SAI

[gopi_narendra]

Difference between BAPI and BDC:

BAPI is a higher end usage for tranfering the data from SAP to non-SAP and vice-versa. for ex: if we are using VB application,where in that we want to connect to SAP and retireve the data,and then change and update the data in SAP for that purpose we can use that.

Apart from that, we can also use it for Uploading/Downloading the data from SAP to Non-SAP like BDC, provided we have an existing BAPI for that.

BAPI function modules will also do all the checks required for data integrity like Transactions for BDC.

There is one more advantage using BAPI instead of BDC. When we go for upgradation, there might be pozzibility to change the screen elements for transactions depending on the requirement. In that case,our BDC pgm may or may not work (depending on the screen changes they have made). Unless and until we prepare new BDC we cant use the old BDC pgm. But in BAPI, SAP promises that they are going to keep the old BAPI and for new functionality they will provide an upgraded BAPI. Until we write a new BAPI pgm, we can use the exisitng BAPI pgm.

1. Batch Data Communication or BDC is a batch interfacing technique that SAP developed. It is mainly used for uploading data into the SAP R/3 system. BDC works by simulating the user input from transactional screen via an ABAP program.

The data input data file will come in the form of a flat file which the user save as file type txt file or prn file from the Microsoft Excel program. An Abaper will create a program to read the text file and upload into the SAP system.

Normally, the tcode SHDB will be used to record the transaction code the user used. After, the simulation, the Abaper can generate a sample program and modify from there. It makes the programming easier and faster.

SAP created the Business Framework to allow the technical integration and exchange of business data among SAP components and between SAP and non-SAP components. Important components of the Business Framework are the Business Application Programming Interfaces (BAPIs), which represent visible interfaces at the component boundaries and whose properties serve to integrate these components.

The integration can include both components within a local network and components that are connected with one another through the Internet.

BAPIs allow integration at the business level, not the technical level. This provides for greater stability in the link, and independence from the underlying communication technology.

You can get all the standard SAP BAPI functions with the transactions code 'BAPI'.

http://www.sap-img.com/fu026.htm

Difference between Function Module and BAPI.

BAPI can be called from any legacy system (Non-SAP) wehre are function modules are used only with in SAP. BAPI's are nothing but RFC enabled Function Modules.

Regards

- Gopi

[Former Member]

BAPI stands for Business Application Programming Interface. It is a library of functions that are released to the public as an interface into an existing SAP system from an external system.

RFC is the protocol used to call functions in an R/3 system by a caller external to R/3 or to call programs external to R/3 from an R/3 system.

Functions can only be called via RFC, if they are tagged as RFC functions in the SAP development workbench. They are then called RFC function modules. BAPIs are complete sets of (BAPI) function modules that model a business application.

When you are familiar with web developments: RFC can be compared to HTTP and BAPIs are CGI applications.

In other words: A BAPI function is a function module that can be called remotely using the RFC technology.

Best Regards,

Vibha

*Please mark all the helpful answers

[Former Member]

<b>Difference between BAPI and BDC:</b>

BAPI is a higher end usage for tranfering the data from SAP to non-SAP and vice-versa. for ex: if we are using VB application,where in that we want to connect to SAP and retireve the data,and then change and update the data in SAP for that purpose we can use that.

Apart from that, we can also use it for Uploading/Downloading the data from SAP to Non-SAP like BDC, provided we have an existing BAPI for that.

BAPI function modules will also do all the checks required for data integrity like Transactions for BDC.

There is one more advantage using BAPI instead of BDC. When we go for upgradation, there might be pozzibility to change the screen elements for transactions depending on the requirement. In that case,our BDC pgm may or may not work (depending on the screen changes they have made). Unless and until we prepare new BDC we cant use the old BDC pgm. But in BAPI, SAP promises that they are going to keep the old BAPI and for new functionality they will provide an upgraded BAPI. Until we write a new BAPI pgm, we can use the exisitng BAPI pgm.

The difference between <b>RFC and BAPI</b> 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.

Hope it helps.

Reward if helpful.

Regards,

Sipra