Why ABAP code quality is still relevant (including the tools to achieve that) sitNL presentation

1. DIR
A tribute to
Standards and
Guidelines
sitNL | 25 november 2017 | Laurens van Rijn
SAP Inside Track presentation

2. About me
Working as a software developer:
―Uniface, Oracle, JDEdwards (1994-2005)
―SAP (2005-∞)
Interested in code quality:
―2005: Anything goes
―2008: Performance matters
―2013: Code Inspector
―2014: ABAP Test Cockpit
―2015: Fanatical… 
DIR

3. Doing It Right
What is DIR:
―A holistic approach to (technical) scuba diving
―Originates from the Woodville Karst Plains Project
Core principle:
―Standardizing equipment configuration and dive-team procedures
to prevent and deal with emergencies
DIR

4. A closer look at gear
configuration
It’s a simple concept:
―Don’t bring it if you don’t need it
―If you need it, bring two
―Reduce drag
Examples:
―Use a long hose
―Donate your primary
―One-handed sign language

5. Doing It Wrong?
Divers using the Christmas tree configuration

6. Doing IT Right
Required components for developments:
―A structured process
• “Senior Gate Keeper”
―Clean coding
―Documentation
―Testing
DIR

7. Senior Gate Keeper
It’s not a transaction
―A senior developer
―One of a team
―Works in the trenches
―Focused on quality and consistency
―Desperately wants to avoid this scenario…

8. Extended Syntax Check (SLIN)
How good is your code anyway?
―Static checks
―Source code based
What if you can’t fix an error or warning?
―Use pragma codes rather than pseudo comments
―Translation: ABAP_SLIN_PRAGMAS
―Exception for the Code Inspector: "#EC CI_*
―Can be abused
DIR

9. Code Inspector (SCI)
SLIN’s successor
―Static checks on code and DDIC objects
―Definition of custom checks
―Object sets
―Dynamic SQL by combining ST05
―HANA readiness (PERFORMANCE_DB, FUNCTIONAL_DB,
S4HANA_READINESS)
DIR

10. ABAP Test Cockpit (ATC)
Managing the quality of your developments
―Quality gate
―Exemption approvals (four-eyes principle)
―Scheduled checks
―Integrated in Eclipse and SAP Solution Manager
―Advanced filter options for the results
DIR

11. ABAP Doc
Generates the documentation for your coding
―“! Indicates comments for ABAP Doc
―Part of Eclipse only
―Reduces documentation effort
―Synchronizes with SE24 / SE37 short texts (NW 7.5 or higher)
―Export as HTML pages (NW 7.5 or higher)
DIR

12. ABAP Units
Automated testing
―Works great with Test Driven Development
―Code Inspector integration
―Many simple test cases, easier to check
―Promotes modularization / reusability
―ABAP Code Retreat, Saturday 20 January 2018, Nieuwegein
DIR

13. Last reminder: Don’t overdo it!
Come join us: ABAP Code Retreat, Saturday 20 January 2018, Nieuwegein, the Netherlands

14. Say hello
to questions,
remarks &
comments