Code-To-Data Paradigm

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We all know that in the classical programming approach, performing data calculations in the database layer was considered taboo. Typically, data was pushed to the application layer, where operations like calculations, aggregations, and transformations were performed. The results were then sent to the presentation layer. This model, known as the Data-to-Code approach, emerged due to hardware limitations that made databases inefficient at handling large-scale data processing.

However, with the advent of powerful hardware and in-memory databases like SAP HANA, the database layer has evolved into a true powerhouse. It can now perform complex calculations, aggregations, and data transformations efficiently and without compromising performance. As a result, the old recommendation to offload processing from the database layer is no longer relevant. Instead, pushing the logic down to the database is now encouraged. Only the essential results are sent back to the application server. How cool is that?

This modern approach is known as Code-to-Data. It leverages HANA’s unique capabilities to build optimized, real-time data-driven applications by executing logic directly within the database layer.

Code Pushdown Techniques:

Now that calculations are being moved to the database layer, there are two main techniques to achieve this:

  1. Bottom-Up Approach

  2. Top-Down Approach

Before the release of SAP NetWeaver Application Server for ABAP (AS ABAP) 7.4 SP05, complex data calculations and operations were implemented using the bottom-up approach. This involved accessing SAP HANA artifacts, such as views and procedures, within ABAP applications using native SQL statements or proxy objects.

With the release of SAP NetWeaver AS ABAP 7.4 SP05, the top-down approach became available. This includes techniques like ABAP-managed database procedures (AMDP) and Core Data Services (CDS), allowing developers to define and manage HANA logic more seamlessly from within ABAP.


Lets discuss these approaches in detail in the following blogs.


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