Sap Abap Cds

secondsky/sap-skills/plugins/sap-abap-cds/skills/sap-abap-cds

by secondsky652a861d3ed422b71f01c8805f9ec03b14017cd8GPL-3.0Listed Oct 9, 2026Updated Oct 9, 2026

Comprehensive SAP ABAP CDS (Core Data Services) reference for data modeling, view development, and semantic enrichment. Use when creating CDS views or view entities, defining data models with annotations, working with associations and cardinality, implementing input parameters, using built-in functions, writing CASE expressions, implementing access control with DCL, handling CURR/QUAN data types, troubleshooting CDS errors, querying CDS views from ABAP, or displaying data with SALV IDA. Covers ABAP 7.4+ through ABAP Cloud.

Instructions onlySoftware Development

AI-generated overview

Reference for SAP ABAP CDS: view entities, annotations, associations, parameters, DCL access control and troubleshooting.

What it does: Provides a structured reference for SAP ABAP Core Data Services, covering CDS views and view entities, essential annotations, expressions, built-in functions, joins, associations and cardinality, input parameters, aggregate expressions, and DCL access control. It also documents data retrieval from ABAP, common compiler errors such as SD_CDS_ENTITY105, and useful transactions and tables. Supporting reference files and templates for basic views, parameterized views and DCL are bundled with the skill.
When to use it: Use it when creating or editing ABAP CDS views or view entities, defining data models with annotations, working with associations, parameters or built-in functions, implementing DCL access control, or troubleshooting CDS errors. It also helps when comparing classic CDS views with newer view entities across ABAP releases.
Requirements: Instructions and reference documents only; no scripts are shipped. It assumes access to an SAP ABAP system and Eclipse ADT for actual development, and covers ABAP 7.40 SP8 through ABAP Cloud.

SAP ABAP CDS (Core Data Services)

Related Skills

sap-abap: Use for ABAP programming patterns used with CDS or when implementing EML statements in ABAP
sap-btp-cloud-platform: Use for CDS deployment scenarios on BTP or ABAP Environment configurations
sap-fiori-tools: Use when building Fiori Elements applications that consume CDS views or working with UI annotations
sap-cap-capire: Use for comparing CDS syntax between ABAP and CAP or when integrating ABAP CDS with CAP services
sap-api-style: Use when documenting CDS-based OData services or following API documentation standards

When to Use This Skill

Use this skill when creating ABAP CDS views or view entities, defining associations and cardinalities, adding UI or semantic annotations, implementing DCL access control, handling currency/unit fields, troubleshooting CDS compiler errors, or comparing classic CDS views with newer view entities.

Quick Reference: https://help.sap.com/doc/abapdocu_cp_index_htm/CLOUD/en-US/abencds.html | SAP Cheat Sheets: https://github.com/SAP-samples/abap-cheat-sheets/blob/main/15_CDS_View_Entities.md

Version Compatibility

This skill covers CDS features from 7.40 SP8 through ABAP Cloud. Key version boundaries:

Feature	7.40 SP8	7.50	7.51	7.55+
CDS View (`DEFINE VIEW`)	x	x	x	x
CDS associations, parameters, built-in functions	x	x	x	x
CDS Table Functions (`DEFINE TABLE FUNCTION`)		x	x	x
CDS Access Control (DEFINE ROLE / pfcg_auth)	x	x	x	x
CDS Access Control (implicit evaluation)		x	x	x
Session variables (`$session.user/client/system_language`)	x	x	x	x
`@Environment.systemField` annotation		x	x	x
`UPPER`/`LOWER` functions			x	x
`$session.system_date`			x	x
CDS Metadata Extensions (`ANNOTATE VIEW`)			x	x
Cross Join in CDS			x	x
CDS View Entity (`DEFINE VIEW ENTITY`)				x
New cardinality syntax (`to one`/`to many`)				7.57+

On a 7.40 system: Use DEFINE VIEW (not DEFINE VIEW ENTITY). CDS table functions are not available before 7.50. Basic DCL (DEFINE ROLE with pfcg_auth) is available from 7.40 SP08, but implicit role evaluation in ABAP SQL requires 7.50+. $session.user/client/system_language are available from 7.40 SP08. The templates in templates/ include both classic CDS View and View Entity variants.

1. CDS View Fundamentals
2. Essential Annotations
3. Expressions and Operations
4. Built-in Functions
5. Joins
6. Associations
7. Input Parameters
8. Aggregate Expressions
9. Access Control (DCL)
10. Data Retrieval from ABAP
11. Common Errors and Solutions
12. Useful Transactions and Tables
Bundled Resources
Source Documentation

1. CDS View Fundamentals

View Types

Recommendation: Use CDS View Entities for new development.

Basic CDS View Syntax

sql

@AbapCatalog.sqlViewName: 'ZCDS_EXAMPLE_V'@AbapCatalog.compiler.CompareFilter: true@AccessControl.authorizationCheck: #NOT_REQUIRED@EndUserText.label: 'Example CDS View'
define view ZCDS_EXAMPLE  as select from db_table as t{  key t.field1,      t.field2,      t.field3 as AliasName}

@AbapCatalog.sqlViewName: 'ZCDS_EXAMPLE_V'@AbapCatalog.compiler.CompareFilter: true@AccessControl.authorizationCheck: #NOT_REQUIRED@EndUserText.label: 'Example CDS View'
define view ZCDS_EXAMPLE  as select from db_table as t{  key t.field1,      t.field2,      t.field3 as AliasName}

CDS View Entity Syntax (7.55+)

sql

@AccessControl.authorizationCheck: #NOT_REQUIRED@EndUserText.label: 'Example View Entity'
define view entity Z_CDS_EXAMPLE  as select from db_table as t{  key t.field1,      t.field2,      t.field3 as AliasName}

@AccessControl.authorizationCheck: #NOT_REQUIRED@EndUserText.label: 'Example View Entity'
define view entity Z_CDS_EXAMPLE  as select from db_table as t{  key t.field1,      t.field2,      t.field3 as AliasName}

Key Difference: View entities omit @AbapCatalog.sqlViewName - no SQL view generated.

Eclipse ADT Setup

File → New → Other → Core Data Services → Data Definition
Enter name, description, and package
Select template (view, view entity, etc.)

2. Essential Annotations

Core Annotations

Essential annotations for CDS development:

@AbapCatalog.sqlViewName - SQL view name (max 16 chars)
@AbapCatalog.compiler.CompareFilter - Optimize WHERE clauses
@AccessControl.authorizationCheck - Set to #NOT_REQUIRED, #CHECK, #MANDATORY, or #NOT_ALLOWED
@EndUserText.label - User-facing description
@Metadata.allowExtensions - Allow view extensions

Complete Reference: See references/annotations-reference.md for 50+ annotations with examples.

Semantics Annotations (Currency/Quantity)

Required for CURR and QUAN data types to avoid error SD_CDS_ENTITY105:

sql

-- Currency fields@Semantics.currencyCode: truewaers,@Semantics.amount.currencyCode: 'waers'amount,
-- Quantity fields@Semantics.unitOfMeasure: truemeins,@Semantics.quantity.unitOfMeasure: 'meins'quantity

-- Currency fields@Semantics.currencyCode: truewaers,@Semantics.amount.currencyCode: 'waers'amount,
-- Quantity fields@Semantics.unitOfMeasure: truemeins,@Semantics.quantity.unitOfMeasure: 'meins'quantity

UI Annotations (Fiori Elements)

sql

@UI.lineItem: [{ position: 10 }]@UI.identification: [{ position: 10 }]@UI.selectionField: [{ position: 10 }]field1,
@UI.hidden: trueinternal_field

@UI.lineItem: [{ position: 10 }]@UI.identification: [{ position: 10 }]@UI.selectionField: [{ position: 10 }]field1,
@UI.hidden: trueinternal_field

Consumption Annotations (Value Help)

For complete annotation reference, see references/annotations-reference.md.

3. Expressions and Operations

CASE Expressions

Simple CASE (single variable comparison):

Searched CASE (multiple conditions):

sql

case  when amount > 1000 then 'High'  when amount > 100 then 'Medium'  else 'Low'end as AmountCategory

case  when amount > 1000 then 'High'  when amount > 100 then 'Medium'  else 'Low'end as AmountCategory

Comparison Operators

Standard operators: =, <>, <, >, <=, >= Special operators: BETWEEN x AND y, LIKE, IS NULL, IS NOT NULL

Complete Reference: See references/expressions-reference.md for all operators and expressions.

Arithmetic Operations

Session Variables

Available system variables (SY fields equivalent):

$session.user (SY-UNAME) - Current user [7.40 SP08+]
$session.client (SY-MANDT) - Client [7.40 SP08+]
$session.system_language (SY-LANGU) - Language [7.40 SP08+]
$session.system_date (SY-DATUM) - Current date [7.51+]

Note: $session.user/client/system_language are available from 7.40 SP08. $session.system_date requires 7.51+. @Environment.systemField requires 7.50+.

Complete Reference: See references/expressions-reference.md for all system variables.

4. Built-in Functions

CDS provides comprehensive built-in functions for string, numeric, and date operations.

Key Function Categories

String Functions: concat(), length(), substring(), upper(), lower(), replace()
Numeric Functions: abs(), ceil(), floor(), round(), division()
Date Functions: dats_add_days(), dats_add_months(), dats_days_between()
CAST Expression: Convert between ABAP data types

Note: upper() and lower() in CDS require 7.51+. On 7.40/7.50, case conversion must be performed in ABAP after selecting (there is no CDS equivalent).

Complete Reference: See references/functions-reference.md for all 50+ functions with examples.

Quick Examples

sql

-- String operationsconcat(first_name, last_name) as FullName,upper(name) as UpperName,substring(description, 1, 10) as ShortDesc
-- Numeric operations  abs(amount) as AbsoluteAmount,round(value, 2) as RoundedValue,division(10, 3, 2) as PreciseDivision
-- Date operationsdats_add_days(current_date, 7) as NextWeek,dats_days_between(start_date, end_date) as Duration
-- Type conversioncast(field as abap.char(10)) as TextField,cast(amount as abap.curr(15,2)) as CurrencyField
**ABAP Types**: `abap.char()`, `abap.numc()`, `abap.int4`, `abap.dats`, `abap.tims`, `abap.curr()`, `abap.cuky`, `abap.quan()`, `abap.unit()`
---
## 5. Joins
### Join Types```sql-- INNER JOIN (matching rows only)inner join makt as t on m.matnr = t.matnr
-- LEFT OUTER JOIN (all from left, matching from right)left outer join marc as c on m.matnr = c.matnr
-- RIGHT OUTER JOIN (all from right, matching from left)  -- [7.51+]right outer join mvke as v on m.matnr = v.matnr
-- CROSS JOIN (cartesian product)                         -- [7.51+]cross join t001 as co

-- String operationsconcat(first_name, last_name) as FullName,upper(name) as UpperName,substring(description, 1, 10) as ShortDesc
-- Numeric operations  abs(amount) as AbsoluteAmount,round(value, 2) as RoundedValue,division(10, 3, 2) as PreciseDivision
-- Date operationsdats_add_days(current_date, 7) as NextWeek,dats_days_between(start_date, end_date) as Duration
-- Type conversioncast(field as abap.char(10)) as TextField,cast(amount as abap.curr(15,2)) as CurrencyField
**ABAP Types**: `abap.char()`, `abap.numc()`, `abap.int4`, `abap.dats`, `abap.tims`, `abap.curr()`, `abap.cuky`, `abap.quan()`, `abap.unit()`
---
## 5. Joins
### Join Types```sql-- INNER JOIN (matching rows only)inner join makt as t on m.matnr = t.matnr
-- LEFT OUTER JOIN (all from left, matching from right)left outer join marc as c on m.matnr = c.matnr
-- RIGHT OUTER JOIN (all from right, matching from left)  -- [7.51+]right outer join mvke as v on m.matnr = v.matnr
-- CROSS JOIN (cartesian product)                         -- [7.51+]cross join t001 as co

6. Associations

Associations define relationships between entities (join-on-demand):

Defining Associations

sql

define view Z_ASSOC_EXAMPLE as select from scarr as c  association [1..*] to spfli as _Flights    on $projection.carrid = _Flights.carrid  association [0..1] to sairport as _Airport    on $projection.hub = _Airport.id{  key c.carrid,      c.carrname,      c.hub,
      // Expose associations      _Flights,      _Airport}

define view Z_ASSOC_EXAMPLE as select from scarr as c  association [1..*] to spfli as _Flights    on $projection.carrid = _Flights.carrid  association [0..1] to sairport as _Airport    on $projection.hub = _Airport.id{  key c.carrid,      c.carrname,      c.hub,
      // Expose associations      _Flights,      _Airport}

Cardinality Notation

Syntax mapping:

[0..1] or [1] → association to one (LEFT OUTER MANY TO ONE)
[1..1] → association to one (exact match)
[0..*] or [*] → association to many (LEFT OUTER MANY TO MANY)
[1..*] → association to many (one or more)

Complete Reference: See references/associations-reference.md for detailed cardinality guide.

New Cardinality Syntax (Release 2302+)

Using Associations

sql

-- Expose for consumer use_Customer,
-- Ad-hoc field access (triggers join)_Customer.name as CustomerName

-- Expose for consumer use_Customer,
-- Ad-hoc field access (triggers join)_Customer.name as CustomerName

Path Expressions with Filter

For complete association reference, see references/associations-reference.md.

7. Input Parameters

Defining Parameters

sql

define view Z_PARAM_EXAMPLE  with parameters    p_date_from : dats,    p_date_to   : dats,    @Environment.systemField: #SYSTEM_LANGUAGE    p_langu     : spras  as select from vbak as v{  key v.vbeln,      v.erdat,      v.erzet}where v.erdat between :p_date_from and :p_date_to

define view Z_PARAM_EXAMPLE  with parameters    p_date_from : dats,    p_date_to   : dats,    @Environment.systemField: #SYSTEM_LANGUAGE    p_langu     : spras  as select from vbak as v{  key v.vbeln,      v.erdat,      v.erzet}where v.erdat between :p_date_from and :p_date_to

Parameter Reference

Use colon notation :p_date_from or $parameters.p_date_from

Calling from ABAP:

abap

SELECT * FROM z_param_example(  p_date_from = '20240101',  p_date_to   = '20241231',  p_langu     = @sy-langu) INTO TABLE @DATA(lt_result).

SELECT * FROM z_param_example(  p_date_from = '20240101',  p_date_to   = '20241231',  p_langu     = @sy-langu) INTO TABLE @DATA(lt_result).

8. Aggregate Expressions

Aggregate Functions

sql

define view Z_AGG_EXAMPLE as select from vbap as i{  i.vbeln,  sum(i.netwr) as TotalAmount,  avg(i.netwr) as AvgAmount,  max(i.netwr) as MaxAmount,  min(i.netwr) as MinAmount,  count(*) as ItemCount}group by i.vbelnhaving sum(i.netwr) > 1000

define view Z_AGG_EXAMPLE as select from vbap as i{  i.vbeln,  sum(i.netwr) as TotalAmount,  avg(i.netwr) as AvgAmount,  max(i.netwr) as MaxAmount,  min(i.netwr) as MinAmount,  count(*) as ItemCount}group by i.vbelnhaving sum(i.netwr) > 1000

9. Access Control (DCL)

Basic DCL Structure

sql

@MappingRole: truedefine role Z_CDS_EXAMPLE_DCL {  grant select on Z_CDS_EXAMPLE    where (bukrs) = aspect pfcg_auth(F_BKPF_BUK, BUKRS, ACTVT = '03');}

@MappingRole: truedefine role Z_CDS_EXAMPLE_DCL {  grant select on Z_CDS_EXAMPLE    where (bukrs) = aspect pfcg_auth(F_BKPF_BUK, BUKRS, ACTVT = '03');}

Authorization Check Options

Available values:

#NOT_REQUIRED - No authorization check
#CHECK - Warning if no DCL exists
#MANDATORY - Error if no DCL exists
#NOT_ALLOWED - DCL ignored if exists

Complete Reference: See references/access-control-reference.md for detailed DCL patterns.

Condition Types

PFCG Authorization: where (field) = aspect pfcg_auth(AUTH_OBJECT, AUTH_FIELD, ACTVT = '03')

Literal Condition: where status <> 'DELETED'

User Aspect: where created_by ?= aspect user

Combined: where (bukrs) = aspect pfcg_auth(...) and status = 'ACTIVE'

For complete access control reference, see references/access-control-reference.md.

10. Data Retrieval from ABAP

Standard SELECT

SALV IDA (Integrated Data Access)

abap

cl_salv_gui_table_ida=>create_for_cds_view(  CONV #( 'ZCDS_EXAMPLE' ))->fullscreen( )->display( ).

cl_salv_gui_table_ida=>create_for_cds_view(  CONV #( 'ZCDS_EXAMPLE' ))->fullscreen( )->display( ).

11. Common Errors and Solutions

SD_CDS_ENTITY105: Missing Reference Information

Problem: CURR/QUAN fields without reference

Solution: Add semantics annotations

Or import currency from related table:

Cardinality Warnings

Problem: Cardinality doesn't match actual data

Solution: Define cardinality matching data model

sql

association [0..1] to ...  -- Use for optional relationshipsassociation [1..*] to ...  -- Use for required one-to-many

association [0..1] to ...  -- Use for optional relationshipsassociation [1..*] to ...  -- Use for required one-to-many

For complete troubleshooting guide, see references/troubleshooting.md.

12. Useful Transactions and Tables

Key Transactions

SDDLAR - Display/repair DDL structures
RSRTS_ODP_DIS - TransientProvider preview
RSRTS_QUERY_CHECK - CDS query metadata validation
SE63 - Translation (EndUserText)
SE11 - ABAP Dictionary
SU21 - Authorization objects

Important Tables

DDHEADANNO - Header-level annotations
CDSVIEWANNOPOS - CDS view header annotations
CDS_FIELD_ANNOTATION - Field-level annotations
ABDOC_CDS_ANNOS - SAP annotation definitions

API Class

CL_DD_DDL_ANNOTATION_SERVICE - Programmatic annotation access:

get_annos() - Get all annotations
get_label_4_element() - Get @EndUserText.label

Bundled Resources

Reference Documentation

For detailed guidance, see the reference files in references/:

annotations-reference.md - Complete annotation catalog
functions-reference.md - All built-in functions with examples
associations-reference.md - Associations and cardinality guide
access-control-reference.md - DCL and authorization patterns
expressions-reference.md - Expressions and operators
troubleshooting.md - Common errors and solutions

Templates

For templates, see templates/:

basic-view.md - Standard CDS view template
parameterized-view.md - View with input parameters
dcl-template.md - Access control definition

Source Documentation

Update this skill by checking:

https://help.sap.com/doc/abapdocu_cp_index_htm/CLOUD/en-US/abencds.html (ABAP Cloud)
https://help.sap.com/doc/abapdocu_740_index_htm/7.40/en-US/index.htm (7.40 Reference)
https://help.sap.com/docs/SAP_NETWEAVER_AS_ABAP_752/f2e545608079437ab165c105649b89db/7c078765ec6d4e6b88b71bdaf8a2bd9f.html (NetWeaver 7.52 User Guide)
https://github.com/SAP-samples/abap-cheat-sheets
https://github.com/SAP-samples/abap-cheat-sheets/blob/main/33_ABAP_Release_News.md (Release News)

Last Verified: 2026-04-02

Source and attribution

Source:secondsky/sap-skillsinplugins/sap-abap-cds/skills/sap-abap-cdsat commit652a861

License: GPL-3.0

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