Top technical interview questions must be prepared for interview as a functional consultant

Even as a functional consultant, technical proficiency is increasingly important. Be ready to discuss these 15 key technical concepts in your next interview:

Here are 15 Technical interview questions you must be prepared for (even as a functional consultant):
1. What is a user-exit, customer-exit, BADI, and enhancement point?

1. User-exit, Customer-exit, BADI, and Enhancement Point: These are SAP's enhancement techniques, allowing you to add custom functionality to standard SAP code.
• User-exits: Older, pre-defined spots within SAP programs for custom code. They're less flexible and can be overwritten during upgrades.
• Customer-exits: Similar to user-exits but are often menu-driven and slightly more manageable.
• BADIs (Business Add-Ins): Object-oriented and more flexible than exits. They allow multiple implementations and are upgrade-safe.
• Enhancement Points: Part of the newer enhancement framework, these are specific locations in standard code designed for custom additions. More flexible and easier to manage than user-exits.

2. How do you debug a standard SAP transaction?

Debugging a Standard SAP Transaction: Use transaction code /h before entering the transaction code. This activates the ABAP debugger, allowing you to step through the code.

3. What is the difference between synchronous and asynchronous RFC?

Synchronous vs. Asynchronous RFC: These are methods for communication between SAP systems or with external systems.

• Synchronous RFC: The calling program waits for the called function to complete and return a result. Think real-time processing.
• Asynchronous RFC (aRFC): The calling program continues execution without waiting. Used for background processing. tRFC (Transactional RFC) and qRFC (Queued RFC) are variations providing better control and reliability for asynchronous calls.

4. What is IDoc? How is it used in integrations?
IDoc (Intermediate Document): A standardized file format for data exchange between SAP and other systems. It's essential for integrations.

5. What is the TCode to view an IDoc?

TCode to View an IDoc: WE02 (Display IDoc) or BD87 (for monitoring and troubleshooting).

6. How do you check background job logs?

Checking Background Job Logs: Transaction SM37 lets you view the status and logs of background jobs.

 

7. What is a transport request? How do you move changes between systems?
Transport Request: A collection of changes made in the development system, bundled for transport to other systems (e.g., testing, production). Use SE01 (Transport Organizer) or SE10 (Transport Organizer Tools) to manage these.

8.What is a BAPI and how is it different from a BDC?
BAPI (Business Application Programming Interface) vs. BDC (Batch Data Communication): Both handle data transfer, but:

1. BAPIs: Standardized function modules provided by SAP. They're more stable, efficient, and the preferred method for integrations.
2. BDCs: An older method using batch input sessions. Less efficient and can be more prone to errors. Use them only when BAPIs are unavailable.

9.What is the use of SE93, SE37, SE38, ST22, SM37 in your project?

Common Transaction Codes and Their Uses:

1. SE93: Create or change transaction codes.
2. SE37: Function Builder (for creating and maintaining function modules).
3. SE38: ABAP Editor (for writing and editing ABAP code).
4. ST22: Analyze ABAP runtime errors (dumps). Crucial for debugging.
5. SM37: Job Selection (monitor and manage background jobs).

10. How do you analyze and fix an ABAP dump?
Analyzing and Fixing an ABAP Dump: Use ST22 to view the dump details, which include the error message, program, line number, and variables involved. This information helps pinpoint the cause and fix the issue.

11.  What is the difference between implicit and explicit enhancements?
Implicit vs. Explicit Enhancements:

6. Implicit Enhancements: Predefined points in the standard code where you can add code, but the original program doesn't explicitly call your enhancement.
7. Explicit Enhancements: Sections or points specifically designated by the developer for enhancements, often using BADIs or enhancement points.

12. What is a data dictionary object?
Data Dictionary Object: Metadata definitions that describe the structure of data in SAP. Key objects include tables, views, data elements, and domains. They define how data is stored and accessed.

13. How do you identify the user-exit or BADI in a transaction?
Identifying User-Exits/BADIs: Several approaches:

8. Use the Enhancement Framework (SMOD for enhancements, SE18 for BADIs). This is the most systematic approach.
9. Debug the transaction and look for calls to specific exit function modules or BADI implementations.
10. Search SAP documentation and online forums.

14. How do you analyze performance issues in SAP transactions?
Analyzing Performance Issues: Key tools include:

11. SQL Trace (ST05): Analyze database performance.
12. Runtime Analysis (SE30): Profile ABAP code execution time.
13. Performance Monitor (ST02): Monitor system-wide performance metrics.

15. How do you handle integration with non-SAP systems?

Handling Integration with Non-SAP Systems: Common approaches include:

14. IDocs.
15. BAPIs.
16. RFC (Remote Function Call).
17. Web services.
18. File transfers (using various formats).
19. Middleware solutions. The choice depends on the specific needs of the integration.

Remember to focus not just on the technical answer, but also on how you've applied these concepts in your projects. Giving specific examples from your experience will significantly strengthen your responses.