difference between rfc and bapi function module

[Former Member]

Hi Abapers,

I am new to Abap I have a doubt about bapi and rfc,

what are the main differences between bapi and rfc function modules.

Regards,

Geetha.

[Former Member]

Remote Function Call:

RFC is an SAP interface protocol. Based on CPI-C, it considerably simplifies the programming of communication processes between systems.

RFCs enable you to call and execute predefined functions in a remote system - or even in the same system.

RFCs manage the communication process, parameter transfer and error handling.

BAPI

BAPI stands for Business API(Application Program Interface).

A BAPI is remotely enabled function module

ie it can be invoked from remote programs like standalone JAVA programs, web interface etc..

You can make your function module remotely enabled in attributes of Function module but

A BAPI are standard SAP function modules provided by SAP for remote access.

Also they are part of Businees Objest Repository(BOR).

BAPI are RFC enabled function modules. the difference between RFc and BAPI are business objects.

You create business objects and those are then registered in your BOR (Business Object Repository)

which can be accessed outside the SAP system by using some other applications (Non-SAP) such as VB or JAVA.

In this case u only specify the business object and its method from external system

in BAPI there is no direct system call. while RFC are direct system call.

Some BAPIs provide basic functions and can be used for most SAP business object types.

These BAPIs should be implemented the same for all business object types.

Standardized BAPIs are easier to use and prevent users having to deal with a number of different BAPIs.

Whenever possible, a standardized BAPI must be used in preference to an individual BAPI.

BAPIs:

- are designed as the methods of business objects in the business object repository (accessable using transaction BAPI or SWO1)

- have non-technical parameter names (the technical field names in SAP are mapped)

- have a fixed interface and functionality across all SAP releases (this is probably the key point as it means you can develop integrations with them which do not need to be changed when you upgrade)

Generally, if you are trying to find a function for a particular requirement you should look for a BAPI first, then for a RFC function which has a released status (check the function attributes in SE37), and then just a normal RFC last.

The benefit of an RFC function with released status means that it also has a fixed interface which will not change with new SAP releases

RFC-

http://help.sap.com/saphelp_47x200/helpdata/en/22/042860488911d189490000e829fbbd/frameset.htm.

BAPI-

Business application Prograaming Interface is nothing but the Method of a Business object.

BAPI-step by step

http://www.sapgenie.com/abap/bapi/example.htm

list of all bapis

http://www.planetsap.com/LIST_ALL_BAPIs.htm

for BAPI's

http://www.sappoint.com/abap/bapiintro.pdf

http://www.sappoint.com/abap/bapiprg.pdf

http://www.sappoint.com/abap/bapiactx.pdf

http://www.sappoint.com/abap/bapilst.pdf

http://www.sappoint.com/abap/bapiexer.pdf

http://service.sap.com/ale

http://service.sap.com/bapi

http://help.sap.com/printdocu/core/Print46c/en/data/pdf/BCMIDAPII/CABFAAPIINTRO.pdf

http://help.sap.com/printdocu/core/Print46c/en/data/pdf/CABFABAPIREF/CABFABAPIPG.pdf

http://help.sap.com/printdocu/core/Print46c/en/data/pdf/BCFESDE8/BCFESDE8.pdf

http://www.planetsap.com/Bapi_main_page.htm

http://www.topxml.com/sap/sap_idoc_xml.asp

http://www.sapdevelopment.co.uk/

http://www.sapdevelopment.co.uk/java/jco/bapi_jco.pdf

also refer these threads

regards,

srinivas

<b>*reward for useful answers*</b>

[Former Member]

Hi Geetha,

BAPI's are the remote enabled Function modules which are defined in the Business Object Repository (BOR) as the methods of the business objects.

I can say BAPI is the subset of RFC. RFC connects to the other system via BAPI and vice versa.

The following links explains the difference clearly....

Hope it helps!!

**Reward useful answers

edited by,

Naveenan.

[Former Member]

<b>Remote Function Call:</b>

RFC is an SAP interface protocol. Based on CPI-C, it considerably simplifies the programming of communication processes between systems.

RFCs enable you to call and execute predefined functions in a remote system - or even in the same system.

RFCs manage the communication process, parameter transfer and error handling.

http://help.sap.com/saphelp_47x200/helpdata/en/22/042860488911d189490000e829fbbd/frameset.htm.

<b>BAPI</b>

BAPI stands for Business API(Application Program Interface).

A BAPI is remotely enabled function module

ie it can be invoked from remote programs like standalone JAVA programs, web interface etc..

You can make your function module remotely enabled in attributes of Function module but

A BAPI are standard SAP function modules provided by SAP for remote access.

Also they are part of Businees Objest Repository(BOR).

BAPI are RFC enabled function modules. the difference between RFc and BAPI are business objects.

You create business objects and those are then registered in your BOR (Business Object Repository)

which can be accessed outside the SAP system by using some other applications (Non-SAP) such as VB or JAVA.

In this case u only specify the business object and its method from external system

in BAPI there is no direct system call. while RFC are direct system call.

Some BAPIs provide basic functions and can be used for most SAP business object types.

These BAPIs should be implemented the same for all business object types.

Standardized BAPIs are easier to use and prevent users having to deal with a number of different BAPIs.

Whenever possible, a standardized BAPI must be used in preference to an individual BAPI.

<b>Remote Function Call:</b>

RFC is an SAP interface protocol. Based on CPI-C, it considerably simplifies the programming of communication processes between systems.

RFCs enable you to call and execute predefined functions in a remote system - or even in the same system.

RFCs manage the communication process, parameter transfer and error handling.

<b>BAPI</b>

BAPI stands for Business API(Application Program Interface).

A BAPI is remotely enabled function module

ie it can be invoked from remote programs like standalone JAVA programs, web interface etc..

You can make your function module remotely enabled in attributes of Function module but

A BAPI are standard SAP function modules provided by SAP for remote access.

Also they are part of Businees Objest Repository(BOR).

BAPI are RFC enabled function modules. the difference between RFc and BAPI are business objects.

You create business objects and those are then registered in your BOR (Business Object Repository)

which can be accessed outside the SAP system by using some other applications (Non-SAP) such as VB or JAVA.

In this case u only specify the business object and its method from external system

in BAPI there is no direct system call. while RFC are direct system call.

Some BAPIs provide basic functions and can be used for most SAP business object types.

These BAPIs should be implemented the same for all business object types.

Standardized BAPIs are easier to use and prevent users having to deal with a number of different BAPIs.

Whenever possible, a standardized BAPI must be used in preference to an individual BAPI.

BAPIs:

- are designed as the methods of business objects in the business object repository (accessable using transaction BAPI or SWO1)

- have non-technical parameter names (the technical field names in SAP are mapped)

- have a fixed interface and functionality across all SAP releases (this is probably the key point as it means you can develop integrations with them which do not need to be changed when you upgrade)

Generally, if you are trying to find a function for a particular requirement you should look for a BAPI first, then for a RFC function which has a released status (check the function attributes in SE37), and then just a normal RFC last.

The benefit of an RFC function with released status means that it also has a fixed interface which will not change with new SAP releases

Regards,

Pavan