Understanding Persistence

Blackvard Management Consulting
Understanding Persistence
Copyright © Blackvard Management Consulting – All rights reserved www.blackvard.com

Blackvard Management Consultants
www.blackvard.comCopyright © Blackvard Management Consulting – All rights reserved
Erin Lett is the Operations Manager for Blackvard
Management Consulting. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree
from Stetson University in Communications and has been
working in the SAP, eLearning, and Software Development
industries for the past 6 years.
For further information please visit:
www.blackvard.com
elett@blackvard.com
Copyright © Blackvard Management Consulting- All rights reserved www.blackvard.com
Your Host
Erin Lett

Agenda
What Will Be Covered:
1. SAP Persistence Overview
1. Concepts Used In Persistence
2. Transient vs. Persistent Data
3. Data In Object-oriented Programming
4. Persistence Service/Persistent Classes/Managed Objects
2. Components of Persistence
1. Get A Flight Object
2. Create A Flight Object
3. About Us

What is SAP Persistence Service?
 SAP Persistence Service forms a bridge between relational
databases & ABAP Objects.
 SAP Persistence Service allows ABAP Programmers to work
w/ relational database data in an object-oriented way.
Databases
Persistent Object Services
Create & Initialize Objects Save & Delete Data In The Object
ABAP Programs
Persistence Service as a Logical Layer

 SAP Persistence Service isn’t exactly like ORM.
 New database tables, database
views or object model structures
are not automatically created by
the system.
What is SAP Persistence Service?
 SAP Persistence Service is
more an application
architecture layer.
 Enables users to work w/ relational
database as ABAP Objects.
 Object-Relational Mapping (ORM) tools allow for classes w/ attributes.
 Used in other programming languages such as Java or C#.
 Framework automatically generates corresponding database tables in databases &
represents the data like objects.
JAVA code to deliver a complex query, written in SQL

 The nature & longevity of data found in ABAP programs gives
that data a unique name.
Transient Data
 Transient Data – The data lives only as long as its context.
 That is, as long as its associated procedure (for local procedure data).
 Or as long as its object (for attributes of classes).
 Or its program (for global program data).
 Once the data is out of the context, the value no longer exists.
 Example:
 If you click SAVE -> the document will be persisted to a folder on your hard drive.
 Click Don’t Save or Cancel -> the transient data (e.g. in memory) is gone, but currently you can edit the file.
 ABAP programs work w/ local program data in the program’s internal session.

Persistent Data
 Persistent Data - If the data can be preserved beyond the context
or runtime of the program.
 Persistent data generally occurs as the content of database tables.
 Can also occur as content of files on applications & presentation servers.
 Hard drive or flash memory (c.p. the example from previous slide – if you store the
file on a hard drive or in a database, the transient data will be persisted. Else the
transient data is gone).
“Save”
“Don’t Save” or
“Cancel”

Transient & Persistent Data
 The system loads persistent data into transient data objects belonging
to the ABAP program, while the program is being executed.
 Once processed, the system stores the data in persistent form again.
 Once in the ABAP program (transiently)/Once in the appropriate storage medium (persistently)
 A typical example would be
obtaining data from a database
table using SELECT statement
in a transient work area,
modifying the work area &
updating the database table
(UPDATE).
 The contents of transient &
persistent data are different in the
interim of this process. JAVA code to deliver a complex query, written in SQL

 In Object-oriented Applications, data occurs only as object attributes.
Data In Object-oriented Programming
 Objects are a collection of functions (in methods) & data (in attributes).
 Object descriptions occur persistently as a piece of source code.
 Attributes exist only as long as the object.
 ABAP Objects are transient by nature & alive from the time of creation,
via “CREATE OBJECT”, until deleted by the “Garbage Collector”.
 To work w/ persistent data in objects, access must be programmed to
where those objects are stored w/in the class methods.
?

 In Object-oriented Business Application programming, it is pointless
to transfer the classical separation of data & functions to the methods.
Data In Object-oriented Programming
 Instead, save the data & functions persistently w/in the object.
 A program can then leave an object in a specific state.
 Second program could continue working w/ the object in that state.
 Classes of objects are persistent already, but saving the attributes of an object
persistently & then referencing them to the appropriate class is possible.
 Example:
Saved original file on the hard drive Open & unsaved document with changes

Persistence Service For Persistent Objects
 Persistent Object Services (POS) are
considered to be logical software layers
between the database & the ABAP program.
 Save object attributes w/ a unique identity & then
reload them when needed.
 Like data objects in ABAP programs, ABAP Objects are always transient.
 No persistent objects exist in ABAP objects.
 The Object Services Persistence Service allows application
developers to work w/ persistent objects.

 Persistent Service ensures an object is initialized in a specific state &
saves that state when needed.
 Similar to that of transient & persistent data.
Concepts Used In Persistence
 Object state, when instantiated, reflects the state of the current database data.
 Object state changes in the ABAP Program are not immediately written to the database.
 This is done after the appropriate request has been made (COMMIT WORK).
 Persistent object exists as original & copy in 1+ ABAP programs.
 If several programs use the Persistence Service to instantiate objects of the same class before
one of the programs has changed the state, all objects will have the same initial state.

 Object Classes must be created as Persistent Classes in the Class Builder.
Persistent Classes
 The term Persistent Class means that the objects of that class & their
state are managed by the Persistence Service.
 The objects of these classes are instantiated in the ABAP program
w/ a method of the service, ensuring the initialization is correct.
 When a Persistent Class is created, it generates a Class Actor or Class Agent.
 Manages the objects of Persistent Classes.
 Persistent Classes can contain key attributes & identity.
 Persistence Service ensures that persistent objects contain unique content
(e.g. Primary Keys of database tables or unique object IDs like GUID).

 Persistent Class Objects are managed by the Persistence Service.
 These objects are instantiated w/ a method of class actor.
 Managed objects are either persistent or transient.
Managed Objects
 Persistent Objects must be managed by the Persistence Service.
 Connects the object w/ the database.
 Transient Objects of Persistent Classes are also managed by the service.
 Example: Persistence Service ensures an object is unique w/in a program.

 SAP Persistence Service is made up of global classes & interfaces.
Components Of Persistence
 The upper four interfaces consist of Persistent Classes.

 The lower three classes are specific & generated automatically
for each Persistent Class created.

 ZCL_MY_FLIGHT Persistent Class must implement IF_OS_STATE interface.
 Ensures access to all persistent objects.
 This class has numerous GET/SET methods & attributes,
as many fields exist in its connected persistent structure.
 Generated by the Class Builder.
.

 Two Agent Classes are generated by Class Builder for each Persistent Class.
 Those two agent classes are Abstract & Final.
 ZCA_MY_FLIGHT is one of the agent classes & it’s responsible for managing
the ZCL_MY_FLIGHT persistent object and serves as a data repository.

 ZCB_MY_FLIGHT, the Super Class of ZCA_MY_FLIGHT, is also
generated by the Class Builder & implements the following interfaces:
 IF_OS_FACTORY/ IF_OS_CA_PERSISTENCY/ IF_OS_CA_INSTANCE.

 Begin by using the SE24 transaction, in Class Builder, to create
a new Class with the name ZCL_MY_FLIGHT.
 Since it will be in the Persistent Class of the database table called SFLIGHT.
 Fill in all required fields and then select the Class Type
Persistent Class & click Save.
 Select where you wish to store the new class & click Save again.
Create Persistent Class

 After saving the new class, verify your Persistent Class,
by clicking the Interfaces tab.
 It implements the interface IF_OS_STATE.
Interfaces

 Under the Friends tab, it also displays as a friend of the abstract
agent class, ZCB_MY_FLIGHT.
Friends

 Now connect the Persistent Class to an ABAP Dictionary object.
 Set the Persistence Mapping by clicking the Persistence button.
Set Persistence Representation

 Now assign a Table/View/Structure to the Class.
 Select the database table that consists of flights, called SFLIGHT.
 Click the Continue icon to confirm.
Assign Table

 After assigning the table, Class Builder loads metadata into the lower
Table/Fields section.
 Double-click on any one of the fields to load it into the Maintain Area.
Maintain Properties of Attributes

 Using the Maintain Area, you can now modify the ID, Description,
Field Visibility, etc.
 After completing the maintenance, simply press Enter to assign it to
the Persistent Class as an attribute.
Add Attribute To Persistent Class

 After pressing Enter, the field appears under the Class as an Attribute &
loads the next field into the Maintain Area accordingly.
 Select each column/field you want to add to your class.
 Double-click on the name, then click the black arrow icon to add it to the class.

 If all fields are not required, the unused columns can remain in the
lower area and be added later as needed.
 After applying the workflow to each field, the following appears:

 After Saving the Persistence
Mapping, return to the Class
Definition using SE80 or SE24.
 Verify the Attributes & Methods.
New Attributes

 Along with the new attributes, GET & SET methods are also generated.
 Class Builder will activate the Actor Classes, along with the Persistent Class.
 Save your work! The Persistent Class is complete & can now be used.
New GET/SET Methods

 In the core of the TRY-CATCH block, reference the Agent Class & Save it in
the reference variable lo_flight_agent by querying the class attribute of the
zca_my_flight called agent.
Get A Flight Object

 Ask the agent to retrieve a persistent from
the database using the “BA” business key.
 Save the receiving reference
of the flight instance in the
reference variable, in the
local object called “lo_flight”.
 You now have an initialized
instance of the zcl_my_flight
& can call its GET- and
SET methods, e.g. such as
GET_CARRNAME().
Get A Flight Object

 This process is very effective & reusable between various clients such as:
 ABAP classes,
 ABAP programs,
 Function Modules,
 etc.
 Now verify the results:
Get A Flight Object

 Create a flight object using the Persistent Class by referencing the Agent
Class & Saving it in the variable lo_flight_agent.
 Ask the agent to create a
persistent in the database
with the key parameters of:
 i_CARRID,
 i_CONNID and
 i_FLDATE
(the key values of the
database table SFLIGHT)
 Set a new price (set_price)
 Call the COMMIT statement.
 Save your work & Activate.
 Run the report.
Create A Flight Object

 Here you can see the results of the coding in the first line:
 Our newly created entry appears in database table SFLIGHT (check by using transaction SE11 or SE16n).
Create A Flight Object

 Using Persistent Classes, you can take steps towards more transparent
& well separated classes based on responsibilities such as:
 Data Layers/Data Access Layers/Business Layers/UI Layers & Application Layers
Summary
 Classes are reusable & you only need to implement them once in order
to reuse them as required.
 Although there are missing features, this initiative proves that the ABAP
language is evolving & moving forward.

Have Additional Questions?
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Please Set Up A Consultation.
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 Technical project lead and ABAP architect responsible for quality in technical scope and budget in a global
roll-out of SAP Logistics applications (SAP LE / LO)
 Conducting multiple SAP ABAP and SAP HANA® trainings for various US companies
 Implementation of a standard SAP software solution for Spend Management within SAP AG & ARIBA (annual
spend volume 3 Bill. EUR) which can be used in all SAP systems
 Improved claims management using SAP FS-CM which is generating annual savings of 15 Mio € for a huge
German public healthcare organization
 Implemented a global solution for procurement processes at BMW AG using SAP SRM / B2B
 Blueprinting and implementation of SAP software for banking credit cancelations for VOLKSWAGEN
Key Achievements of Blackvard Management Consulting in Previous Projects
What We’ve Accomplished

Blackvard Management Consultants
www.blackvard.comCopyright © Blackvard Management Consulting – All rights reserved
Short Bio:
Lukas M. Dietzsch is managing director at Blackvard
Management Consulting, LLC. He is holding a Master’s
degree in Information Technology and is an experienced IT
solution architect and project lead.
His strong background in adapting to requirements and
standards in different industries and on various platforms are
valuable assets for Blackvard customers.
He is repeatedly commended by customers for driving
efficient solutions for complex problems in globally
distributed team environments and meeting tough deadlines.
For further information please visit:
www.blackvard.com
Lukas M. Dietzsch
lukas@blackvard.com
Copyright © Blackvard Management Consulting- All rights reserved www.blackvard.com
Managing Director

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