Difference Between ABAP Classes and FM while developing API for MDM

[Former Member]

Hi All,

I have small doubt that What is the difference between developing ABAP API for MDM using ABAP Clasess and Functional Modules.

Why they provide both methodologies for the same?

Is Performance will effect or Any advantages or there?

Thanks in Advance,

Best Regards,

Vijay

[Former Member · Accepted solution]

Hi,

The main difference between Classes and function group (container of function modules) is that although a program can work with the instances of several function group at the same time, it cannot work with several instances of a single function group. Suppose a program wanted to use several independent counters, or process several orders at the same time. In this case, you would have to adapt the function group to include instance administration, for example, by using numbers to differentiate between the instances.i.e classes are instantiable while function groups are not

However function groups have their own advantages.

Screen programming: You can create screens using function modules however classes have to call separate program to generate screens

Function modules can be executed asynchronously(in parallel to calling program) and can be called remotely by other systems also.

Regards

Nisha

Edited by: Nisha Lalwani on Dec 27, 2007 6:29 AM

[Former Member]

Hi Vijay,

Nisha mentioned already the pros and cons of function modules.

When you are out for performance you should us the object oriented approach.

Reason:

The function modules call the object methods internally... So you have an additional layer on top of the object oriented model in case of using the function modules.

Regards

Andreas