Overview of CAP MODEL

[ashutoshg27]

In this article, we will explore the fundamental concepts of the CLOUD APPLICATION PROGRAMMING MODEL (CAP MODEL) in SAP BTP (Business Technology Platform).

We will explore-
the fundamental concepts of the CAP Model
its role within SAP BTP
the benefits it brings to developers
and how you can get started with it.

 

By the end, you will have a clear understanding of the essentials and the potential approach to the application development.

NOTE*: This blog is made keeping in mind the complete beginners who know nothing about CAP model yet and are eager to get an overview of it.

 

With this stated, let’s dive in

1. IntroductionCAPM is one of the approaches to developing cloud applications by using the BTP platform. CAPM offers a more structured and seamless framework for data modelling and enhancing integration with services.It is known for its openness and the mix of open source as well as the SAP technologies.
   By understanding CAPM, developers can gain access to a powerful tool to streamline development, with innovation in lesser time.


2. Pre-requisitesBefore proceeding lets discuss some prerequisites that are required before starting a CAPM project-
   
   
   
   • Technical Knowledge
     
     
     
     • CDS views and Data Modelling
     
     
     • UI5/Fiori
     
     
     • OData Services
     
     
     • NodeJS and basic CLI
     
     
     
     
   
   
   • Platform
     
     
     
     • SAP BTP active Subscription
     
     
     • Business Application Studio(BAS) active license
     
     
     
     
   
   
   
   

3. SAP BTP and CAPMCAPM is implemented inside the BTP platform using the BAS tool. It is the single most useful tool when it comes to developing applications in the cloud.It provides with the environment you need for developing cloud applications and takes care of all the dependencies. Additionally, it is provided with pre-installed and some optional extensions for getting started with cloud applications as well.Lastly, you can install and connect more extensions and services if you require any in future.


4. Key Features of CAPM
   
   
   
   • It allows for full stack development in the same environment. (BAS) No need for switching between different environments for backend and frontend.
   
   
   • It is open to an extent so you can work with multiple languages according to your need. Bas provides easy connectivity to the required extensions for that.
   
   
   • You can seamlessly connect with git and other applications using API’s to extend or develop your application.
   
   
   • It handles all the dependencies automatically (to an extent) which makes it less frustrating and improves the development speed. For example, handling the OData after exposing all the entities and making it easier to consume in the ui part.
   
   
   
   


5. Getting Started with CAPMIt is easier to set up the environment and start developing with CAPM. Below is an illustrated process of how you can set up your own workspace in BAS:Go to your BAS and create a new dev space:

Select “Full Stack Cloud Application” and from Additional SAP Extensions select “SAP HANA Calculation View Editor” and “SAP HANA Tools”.

You will have your dev space created, and open your dev space.

You will be seeing the get started screen on opening the dev space. Click on three ribbons on the top left.

Select Terminal->New Terminal.

By default, the terminal will be in the “User” directory.
Type cd projects in the terminal to switch to the projects directory.

Projects are your default workspace and will be the folder that will hold all your projects.

Type the command "cds init project1".
BAS will automatically create all the files and folders required to start developing.

Click on the three ribbons on the top left again. Go to File->Open Folder.

You will be asked to provide a folder path. Type /home/user/projects and click OK.

You will taken to the projects directory. You will be able to see the project you just created and all the files that BAS has created for you.

 

From here on You can start developing your applications.

References:
SAP Cloud Application Programming Model | SAP Community
About CAP | CAPire (cloud.sap)
Developing with the SAP Cloud Application Programming Model | SAP Help Portal