Describe the difference between traditional ABAP and ABAP Objects.

Traditional ABAP vs ABAP Objects: Understanding the Differences

Traditional ABAP and ABAP Objects are two different programming paradigms used in SAP development. Understanding their differences is crucial for any SAP ABAP programmer. Below are some key points to differentiate between the two:

Traditional ABAP:

• Procedural programming language
• Uses modularization techniques like function modules and subroutines
• Primarily focuses on data processing/logic
• Single inheritance is supported
• Does not have visibility control

ABAP Objects:

• Object-oriented programming language
• Introduces concepts like classes, objects, and inheritance
• Emphasizes on reusability, encapsulation, and inheritance
• Supports multiple inheritance through interfaces
• Has visibility control through public, protected, and private attributes/methods

In conclusion, while traditional ABAP is more focused on procedural programming and data processing, ABAP Objects bring in the power of object-oriented programming principles like inheritance, polymorphism, and encapsulation, making code modular, reusable, and easier to maintain.