how different Data flows,Transformation flows and Replication flows in Datasphere

[#1]

Hi, I am trying to understand the transformation objects in Data builder of Datasphere. why there are 3 different objects for data transformations? I see that Data flows are connecting to sources and apply the transformations using operators like filter, join and aggregation. Transformation flows do almost same, connecting to source and transform the data using Graphical/SQL view transforms. So how do I differentiate them? Please suggest. 

[TuncayKaraca · Accepted solution]

Hello @SreekanthSurampally,

Depending on data source connection some flows are available some not! Please check Connection Types Overview 

Please also take a look into SAP Datasphere – New Replication Flow 

Regards,
Tuncay

[SreekanthSurampally · Accepted solution]

Thanks @TuncayKaraca Tuncay, can I conclude that, Replication flows is a like an ETL tool(Data Intelligence functionality), where it can get the data from different sources and Transform using Transformation flows/Data flows and then send the data to external systems. However, Data flows can load and transform the data from different sources but the target is always the local table in Datasphere. At this moment, Replication flows don't support some applications as Sources, in those cases data flows will be used to extract data. Is that a reasonable summary?

[TuncayKaraca · Accepted solution]

@SreekanthSurampally Yes, it's a reasonable summary. Thanks for the follow up!

[JulianJuraske]

Hello,

within the DataFlow you are able to Script with Python, so this Object is there for complex Data Transformation that may not be solveable with an SQL-View or Scripted-View(SQL-View with SAP HANA Table Functions). 
This Object is the least "attractive" one, because most of the required Data Transformation can be achieved with SQL-View or Scripted-View, there be not much scenarios where you really need it.

With the Transformation-Flow you are able to Transform the Data. (But no Python)
With the Replication-Flow you are able to repliate Data from one System to another. (Can be used to recieve or send Data).

You have to understand the Goal of SAP:
They want to use the Transformation-Flow and Replication-Flow togehter, so that the Datasphere can also be a Data provider within the Company not only a Consumer:

BR
Julian

[SreekanthSurampally]

Thank you, So, I wouldn't use Data flows unless if I have a requirement to use Python Script transformation, right? I can get my most of the requirements done with Replication flows and Transformation flows combination as shown in the Picture.