ABAP is one of the many application specific fourth generation language which provides immense career opportunities for SAP ABAP programmers. ABAP was initially developed as a reporting language for SAP R/2 and later to develop the platform for SAP R/3. It was intended to help customers to develop reports according to their requirements, however even today this language cannot be used by non-programmers and good knowledge of relational database, object oriented programming and good programming skills are required for creating ABAP programs.
ABAP is supported by latest Netweaver, development platform of SAP, which means that ABAP will be used as a programming language for SAP's basic functions and other applications in coming days. This makes SAP ABAP programmer a valuable asset for any organization who can contribute immensely in improving ERP support for better functioning of the organization. SAP itself is the largest ERP solution service provider in the world with its customers all over the world and ABAP programming is well sought skill for SAP users and even by SAP's channel partners.
It is important to understand that what is expected from SAP ABAP programmer by the people who hire them. ABAP can interact with the centralized database of SAP ERP and on every form of ERP a command window is available which can execute ABAP commands in run time. This facility gives an ABAP programmer to develop applications which can retrieve data from central database according to specific parameters.
There are many small companies running their independent business by using SAP products such as financial advisors of large corporate using SAP FICO, ABAP programmers can help them by customizing this module of SAP according to client's needs. ABAP programmers can build their career with SAP users by providing their services and making SAP products deliver proven value and best solutions. SAP ABAP programmers can make their career as independent developers by writing correct code for programming applications, providing best methodologies, advanced software tools and best coding and programming practices.
Ideal qualification for becoming SAP ABAP programmer is technical bachelor's degree like B.E., B.Tech., B.Sc IT or a diploma in IT. At some places a master's degree or diploma in business administration or management is also required. The most basic qualification for making a career in SAP ABAP programming is sharp and logical programming skills and understanding all the concepts of object oriented programming with sound database knowledge along with bachelor's degree from any stream.
Acquired skills are equally important for grooming the career in SAP ABAP programming. Adaptability and flexibility are of utmost importance, ERP is changing all the time in terms of use of technology and design according to market needs, ABAP programmer shall be able to adjust according to the demand. Specific expertise in any particular domain also helps in carving out a definite space for any ABAP programmer which also helps in grooming one's career. The ability to write efficient, compact and complete program is a must for a ABAP or rather for any programmer of any language, confidence and persistence are equally important for an ABAP programmer to stay in this vibrant market.
