If you missed our UI5con 2025 talk, we've summarized our discussion in this blog post.
Introduction
The digital landscape is constantly evolving, and app development tools and processes must adapt to new challenges. In this dynamic environment, efficiency and adaptability are key. This blog post explores a transformative approach to local app previews and testing , traditionally stored as physical files in a repository, which can now be virtually served by middleware.
The Status Quo of Local Preview and Testing
In the traditional setup, local app previews and testing rely heavily on physical sandbox files. While this method provides a level of consistency and stability, it often falls short in terms of up-to-dateness and maintenance effort. Typically, these files are being created once, and nobody really ensures they are up-to-date and reflect the current best practices.
(App using physical files for local preview and tests)
The Downside of Local Testing with Physical Files
The use of physical files in local testing comes with its own set of challenges. Perhaps the most significant drawback is the "glue code" which requires ongoing maintenance to ensure compatibility with updated frameworks and standards. This manual process not only consumes valuable time but also increases the likelihood of errors. Moreover, physical files can quickly become outdated, failing to incorporate best practices and innovations.
Why Do Virtual Endpoints Solve These Issues?
Virtual endpoints offer a robust solution to the challenges posed by physical files. By replacing sandbox files with dynamic virtual endpoints, developers can significantly reduce the time and effort required for maintenance. Updates become a simple matter of updating the package version of @Pa_Vi/ux-ui5-tooling in package.json, ensuring that the application always adheres to the latest SAP best practice code. This shift not only streamlines the process but also enhances the reliability and efficiency of both local previews and testing.
(App using virtual endpoints for local preview and tests)
The preview middleware is either available as part of SAP Fiori Tools for SAP Business Application Studio and VS Code or standalone as Open Source (see links below)
(Application Info page of SAP Fiori Tools for SAP Business Application Studio and VS Code)
What to Do with Existing Applications?
One of the most compelling advantages of adopting virtual endpoints is the ease with which existing applications can be converted. SAP Fiori Tools for SAP Business Application Studio and VS Code bolster this transition with their Convert feature. With just a single click, developers can transform their applications to support virtual endpoints, harnessing the full benefits without extensive refactoring.
The converter is either available as part of SAP Fiori Tools for SAP Business Application Studio and VS Code or standalone as Open Source (see links below)
(Application Info page of SAP Fiori Tools for SAP Business Application Studio and VS Code)
Conclusion
The move towards virtual endpoints in local app previews and testing signifies a pivotal moment for application development. By embracing this innovative approach, developers can streamline their processes, reduce maintenance efforts, and ensure their applications are built upon the latest best practices. The conversion tools available for existing applications make this transition effortless.
As the technology landscape continues to evolve, adopting such forward-thinking solutions will be crucial in maintaining competitive advantage and fostering more agile and dynamic development environments.
What’s Next?
- Your feedback is important. Please reach out to us if you have any issues or comments on virtual endpoints.
- Is there anything missing that you think should be there? Let us know, open a feature request at https://github.com/SAP/open-ux-tools/issues.
- If you haven’t already signed up, I would also like to invite you to participate in the SAP Fiori elements and SAP Fiori tools Roundtable, where you can share your experiences with the development team and other SAP Fiori development experts.
Links
- SAP Business Application Studio: https://help.sap.com/docs/bas
- SAP Fiori Tools for VS Code: https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=SAPSE.sap-ux-fiori-tools-extension-pack
- Preview middleware (as part of the UX UI5 Tooling bundle): https://www.npmjs.com/package/@sap/ux-ui5-tooling
- Preview middleware (standalone): https://www.npmjs.com/package/@sap-ux/preview-middleware
- Converter (standalone): https://github.com/SAP/open-ux-tools/blob/main/packages/create/README.md#sap-ux-convert
Bluesky
