What does an SAP developer do?

Inhalt:

Tasks and responsibilities;
How do I become an SAP developer? The requirements
Steps to success as an SAP developer
Which programming languages should an SAP developer be proficient in?
Is a lateral entry possible?
What job opportunities are there at abat for SAP developers?

SAP developers are in high demand on the German job market. On Stepstone alone, one of the most visited job platforms in Germany, there are over 1,000 job offers from companies, and dozens of new ones are added every day. This article is dedicated to one of the most sought-after IT professions by explaining the tasks of an SAP developer.

You will learn how to become an SAP developer, which programming languages are relevant for this job and what opportunities are available for SAP developers at abat. Let's take a closer look:

Tasks and responsibilities

As an SAP developer, you will play a central role in the planning, development and implementation of customized software solutions based on SAP technology. Your tasks will cover various areas to ensure that a company's SAP products run smoothly and meet business requirements. Here is an overview of the possible tasks:

Requirements analysis and solution design
A key aspect of working as an SAP developer is working closely with the company's business experts. You are responsible for understanding and analyzing the business requirements in order to design suitable solutions. This requires the ability to translate technical concepts into understandable language for non-technical stakeholders.
Development of SAP applications
The core competence of an SAP developer in is the programming of SAP applications. This includes the development of user-defined functions, interfaces, reports, forms and other elements that are tailored to the specific needs of the company. This is where the mastery of programming languages such as ABAP or SAP UI5 / SAP Fiori comes into play.
System integration
he majority of business processes require the seamless integration of different systems. As an SAP developer, you will be responsible for developing interfaces and integration solutions that enable the smooth exchange of data between SAP systems and other applications.

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Troubleshooting and optimization
In the world of software development, troubleshooting is an unavoidable task. As an SAP developer, you analyze errors and malfunctions in the system, identify their causes and develop solutions to optimize system performance and stability.
Upgrades and updates
SAP systems are constantly evolving and it is your job as a developer to keep up with these changes. You will be familiarized with new versions, functions and technologies and must ensure that existing applications meet current requirements.
Documentations
Your work as an SAP developer does not end with the implementation. You create detailed documentation that helps other team members or end users to understand and use the developed solutions.

How do I become an SAP developer? The requirements

Before you start your career as an SAP developer, it is important to fulfill certain requirements. It is not necessary to fulfill all of the following requirements to start in the field of SAP development.

Education in the IT sector

The foundation for a career as an SAP developer is a sound education in IT. A degree in computer science, business informatics or a similar subject provides the necessary understanding of software development and technical concepts.

Interest in SAP

An interest in SAP systems and technologies is essential. The more you know about the functionalities and possible applications of SAP, the better you will be able to develop customized solutions.

Programming skills
The ability to program is the core of SAP development. You should be proficient in at least one programming language, preferably ABAP, the primary language for SAP development, or SAP UI5 / SAP Fiori. Beginners who have no knowledge of SAP-specific programming languages can still become SAP developers by having programming skills in other languages such as Java or C++.

Problem-solving skills

SAP development is all about solving complex problems. An analytical mindset and the ability to develop logical solutions are therefore of great importance.

Steps to success as an SAP developer

Once you have met the requirements, you could take the following steps to start your career as an SAP developer. It is important to note that not all of the steps listed are mandatory to become an SAP developer. Rather, they serve as points of reference to show where you could start your journey.

Deepen your programming skills
Refine your programming skills in SAP-specific languages such as ABAP. Use online resources, tutorials and practice projects to improve your skills.
Acquire SAP knowledge
Expand your knowledge of SAP systems, modules technologies and learn how SAP is used in different business areas.
Gain practical experience
Gain practical experience by working on internships, working student positions or your own projects. The practical application of your knowledge is the key to understanding real-world use cases.
Consider SAP certifications
SAP offers certifications that officially confirm your expertise. Consider certificates such as "SAP Certified Development Associate" as a way of underpinning your expertise.

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Stay up to date
The IT industry is constantly evolving. Keep up to date with new developments, technologies and best practices to stay competitive.
Build a network
Network with other SAP developers and professionals. Attend conferences, meet-ups and online communities to learn from others and make professional contacts.
Application and career planning
Apply for positions as an SAP developer. Emphasize your education, practical experience and possible certifications in your application documents.
Continuous further training
SAP technology is constantly changing. Be ready to learn new technologies and trends to stay relevant and grow professionally.

Becoming an SAP developer requires commitment, a willingness to learn and a clear professional goal. With the right prerequisites and a targeted approach, you can prepare yourself for an exciting and fulfilling career in SAP development.

Which programming languages should an SAP developer be proficient in?

To be successful in this role, a sound knowledge of certain programming languages is crucial.

ABAP (Advanced Business Application Programming):
ABAP is the primary programming language for the development of SAP applications. SAP developers should be proficient in ABAP as it enables them to create user-defined functions, reports, forms and interfaces that meet the individual requirements of a company.
JavaScript:
JavaScript is very important for front-end development. As an SAP developer, you could work with SAP Fiori, the user interface of SAP, which uses JavaScript to interact with users.
SQL (Structured Query Language):
Data is the backbone of organizations, and SQL is the language for database querying and manipulation. SAP developers need to query and modify databases within SAP systems, so SQL knowledge is essential.

ABAP as the main programming language for SAP development is essential, but understanding Java, JavaScript, SQL, Python and other languages will broaden your skills and open doors to different aspects of SAP development.

Is a lateral entry possible?

Yes, a career change into SAP development is possible. Many companies offer training and further education to prepare career changers for the job. However, it is important that you have an affinity for IT and data. A background in computer science or business administration can be helpful. SAP developers often work with complex data structures and must be able to develop efficient solutions.

Logical thinking and problem-solving skills are therefore important prerequisites. In addition to the technical side, communication skills are also important, as SAP developers often work closely with other departments.

What job opportunities are there at abat for SAP developers?

We offer positions for SAP Backend and SAP Frontend Developers. As a backend developer, you will primarily work with the ABAP programming language, while as a frontend developer you will focus on the development of UI5 / Fiori apps. You are welcome to specify in your application whether you would like to work in the back- or frontend.

Here you will find our job advertisements for different skill levels:

If you have any further questions about the job of SAP developer or specific questions about us as an employer, please do not hesitate to contact us at job@abat.asia.