Difference between BAPI and IDocs

hello all
what is difference between BAPI and IDocs

Hi,
BAPI
One of the big plusses for BAPIs is that the interface and function are not supposed to change. This is a big plus when you do upgrades or hot packs because the transaction can change (format, required inputs etc) which means you then need to update the call transaction.
Some of the BAPIs are better documented and easier to use than others. You usually need to perform the BAPI that actually does the COMMIT after you call your BAPI.
The Program coding for calling a BAPI is usually cleaner than setting up the screen flow etc for the Call Transaction.
You don't need to worry about special data circumstances interrupting the normal data flow of the screens and causing errors because of that.
BAPIs probably have better performance since they don't do the screen flow processing.
In general if the BAPI exists for the transaction you want to perform and you can figure out how to use it the BAPI is probably the best way to go.
BAPIs are a subset of the RFC-enabled function modules, especially designed as Application Programming Interface (API) to the SAP business object, or in other words: are function modules officially released by SAP to be called from external programs.
IDOC
IDocs are text encoded documents with a rigid structure that are used to exchange data between R/3 and a foreign system. Instead of calling a program in the destination system directly, the data is first packed into an IDoc and then sent to the receiving system, where it is analyzed and properly processed. Therefore an IDoc data exchange is always an
asynchronous process. The significant difference between simple RFC-calls and IDoc data exchange is the fact, that every action performed on IDocs are protocolled by R/3 and IDocs can be reprocessed if an error occurred in one of the message steps.
While IDocs have to be understood as a data exchange protocol, EDI and ALE are typical use cases for IDocs. R/3 uses IDocs for both EDI and ALE to deliver data to the receiving system. ALE is basically the scheduling mechanism that defines when and between which partners and what kind of data will be exchanged on a regular or event triggered basis. Such a set-up is called an ALE-scenario.
The philosophical difference between EDI and ALE can be pinned as follows: If we send data to an external partner, we generally speak of EDI, while ALE is a mechanism to reliable replicate data between trusting systems to store a redundant copy of the IDoc data. The difference is made clear, when we think of a purchase order that is sent as an IDoc. If we send the purchase order to a supplier then the supplier will store the purchase order as a sales order. However, if we send the purchase order via ALE to another R/3 system, then the receiving system will store the purchase order also as a purchase order.
Regards,
Bhaskar

Similar Messages

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BAPI AND ALE

HI
COULD ANYBODY TEL ME
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BAPI AND ALE

Hi Kalyan
ALE is a SAP specific method how to distribute data from and to SAP. It uses the asynchronous calls based on IDOC structures.
However in the distribution modell of ALE can also be used BAPIs. They will then automatically converted into IDOC structures. After creating the IDOCs they will be passed over to the receiver using the tRFC protocol.
Wheras the BAPIs are using the sRFC protocol.
fir more information please check this:
http://www.sap-img.com/abap/ale-bapi.htm
regards
Srinivas

Difference between BAPI and RFC?

Difference between BAPI and RFC?
also where to use BAPI and where to use RFC?

Hi,
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.
The following standardized BAPIs are provided:
Reading instances of SAP business objects
GetList ( ) With the BAPI GetList you can select a range of object key values, for example, company codes and material numbers.
The BAPI GetList() is a class method.
GetDetail() With the BAPI GetDetail() the details of an instance of a business object type are retrieved and returned to the calling program. The instance is identified via its key. The BAPI GetDetail() is an instance method. BAPIs that can create, change or delete instances of a business object type
The following BAPIs of the same object type have to be programmed so that they can be called several times within one transaction. For example, if, after sales order 1 has been created, a second sales order 2 is created in the same transaction, the second BAPI call must not affect the consistency of the sales order 2. After completing the transaction with a COMMIT WORK, both the orders are saved consistently in the database.
Create( ) and CreateFromData! ( )
The BAPIs Create() and CreateFromData() create an instance of an SAP business object type, for example, a purchase order. These BAPIs are class methods.
Change( )
The BAPI Change() changes an existing instance of an SAP business object type, for example, a purchase order. The BAPI Change () is an instance method.
Delete( ) and Undelete( ) The BAPI Delete() deletes an instance of an SAP business object type from the database or sets a deletion flag.
The BAPI Undelete() removes a deletion flag. These BAPIs are instance methods.
Cancel ( ) Unlike the BAPI Delete(), the BAPI Cancel() cancels an instance of a business object type. The instance to be cancelled remains in the database and an additional instance is created and this is the one that is actually canceled. The Cancel() BAPI is an instance method.
Add<subobject> ( ) and Remove<subobject> ( ) The BAPI Add<subobject> adds a subobject to an existing object inst! ance and the BAPI and Remove<subobject> removes a subobject from an object instance. These BAPIs are instance methods.
Regards,
Prakash

Difference Between BAPI And RFC in ABAP

Hi,
i want to know difference between BAPI and RFC in SAP,
can we call SAP GUI screen from NON SAP System Using BAPI.
Reg,
Hariharan

Hi Ravishankar,
The difference is not importat while you understand the concept.
I think, RFC is the protocol for calling functions from external systems in R/3.
I understand like BAPI a series of complet functions that SAP offers you for use and model a business use.
But if I need program a function that can be called for external system i would call it RFC_NAME, because is a unique function that makes a single task.
In other words, the difference i think is about work idea more than another thing.
RFC
A remote function call is a call to a function module running in a system different from the caller's. The remote function can also be called from within the same system (as a remote call).
RFC consists of two interfaces : A calling interface for ABAP Programs and a calling interface for Non-SAP programs.
The RFC Interface takes care of :-
- Converting all parameter data to the representation needed in the remote system
Calling the communication routines needed to talk to the remote system.
Handling communications errors, and notifying the caller, if desired ( using EXCEPTIONS paramater of the CALL FUNCTION).
BAPI
BAPIs are standardized programming interfaces (methods) enabling external applications to access business processes and data in the R/3 System.
BAPIs provide stable and standardized methods to achieve seamless integration between the R/3 System and external applications, legacy systems and add-ons.
BAPIs are defined in the BOR(Business object repository) as methods of SAP business object types that carry out specific business functions.
BAPIs are implemented as RFC-enabled function modules and are created in the Function Builder of the ABAP Workbench.
The most critical difference btwn BAPI and FM is that BAPI can be wrapped in Business objects whereas RFC cant.
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.
The following standardized BAPIs are provided:
Reading instances of SAP business objects
GetList ( ) With the BAPI GetList you can select a range of object key values, for example, company codes and material numbers.
The BAPI GetList() is a class method.
GetDetail() With the BAPI GetDetail() the details of an instance of a business object type are retrieved and returned to the calling program. The instance is identified via its key. The BAPI GetDetail() is an instance method. BAPIs that can create, change or delete instances of a business object type
The following BAPIs of the same object type have to be programmed so that they can be called several times within one transaction. For example, if, after sales order 1 has been created, a second sales order 2 is created in the same transaction, the second BAPI call must not affect the consistency of the sales order 2. After completing the transaction with a COMMIT WORK, both the orders are saved consistently in the database.
Create( ) and CreateFromData! ( )
The BAPIs Create() and CreateFromData() create an instance of an SAP business object type, for example, a purchase order. These BAPIs are class methods.
Change( )
The BAPI Change() changes an existing instance of an SAP business object type, for example, a purchase order. The BAPI Change () is an instance method.
Delete( ) and Undelete( ) The BAPI Delete() deletes an instance of an SAP business object type from the database or sets a deletion flag.
The BAPI Undelete() removes a deletion flag. These BAPIs are instance methods.
Cancel ( ) Unlike the BAPI Delete(), the BAPI Cancel() cancels an instance of a business object type. The instance to be cancelled remains in the database and an additional instance is created and this is the one that is actually canceled. The Cancel() BAPI is an instance method.
Add<subobject> ( ) and Remove<subobject> ( ) The BAPI Add<subobject> adds a subobject to an existing object inst! ance and the BAPI and Remove<subobject> removes a subobject from an object instance. These BAPIs are instance methods.
Check these Links out
http://searchsap.techtarget.com/ateQuestionNResponse/0,289625,sid21_cid558752_tax293481,00.html
http://www.sap-img.com/abap/interview-question-on-bapi-rfc-abap-objects-tables.htm
http://www.sap-img.com/fu033.htm
http://www.sap-img.com/abap/ale-bapi.htm
Refer following SDN threads:
Diff. Between BAPI and RFC
Re: BAPI and RFC
Hope this resolves your query.
Reward all the helpful answers.
Regards

Difference Between BAPI and RFM

Dear Friends,
I have seen a few thread explaining the difference between BAPI and RFM(Remote-enabled function Modules) from functional point of view. I know that there are cases when both are available in BOR. Both can be implement using Object Oriented Technology.
Can any tell me how they differ from techincal point of view ? OR Are they same techinically ?
Thanks in advance,
Rajesh

hi,
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.
http://help.sap.com/saphelp_47x200/helpdata/en/22/042860488911d189490000e829fbbd/frameset.htm.
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.
Regards
Reshma

Difference between BAPI and BADI

Hi,
Can anyone explain the difference between BAPI and BADI?

Hi Naveen,
BAPI - It is nothing, but a FM which is used to load the data into SAP system. The data may be from the Legacy system.
BADI - They are the enhancement which can be applied to the standard SAP program as per the business requirement. BADI are the newer version of user exits which uses ABAP OOPs concept.
Revert back if you have further query.
Reward points if useful.
Regards,
Atish

Difference between scripts and idocs

In real time why we are using scripts and idocs?what is the difference between scripts and idocs?pls tell me where we r using scripts and idocs?

Hi,
IDocs are simple ASCII data streams. When they are stored to a disk file, the IDocs are simple flat files with lines of text, where the lines are structured into data fields. The typical structured file has records, each record starting with a leading string that identifies the record type. Their specification is stored in the data dictionary.
Electronic Interchange Document
IDocs is the acronym for Interchange Document. This indicates a set of (electronic) information which builds a logical entity. An IDoc is e.g. all the data of a single customer in your customer master data file, or the IDoc is all the data of a single invoice.
Data Is transmitted in ASCII format, i.e. human readable form
IDoc data is usually exchanged between systems and partners that are completely independent. Therefore, the data should be transmitted in a format that can easily be corrected by the computer operators. It is therefore mandatory to post the data in a human readable form.
Nowadays, this means that data is coded in ASCII format, including numbers which are sent as a string of figures 0 to 9. Such data can easily be read with any text editor on any computer, be it a PC, Macintosh, UNIX System, S/390 or any internet browser.
IDocs exchange messages
The information which is exchanged by IDocs is called a message and the IDoc is the physical representation of such a message. The name messages for the information sent via IDocs is used in the same ways as other EDI standards. .
Scrpits...
If the user wants to print documents such as invoices, purchase order, all such documents are printed with the use of forms. SAP allows the user to define these forms by using layout sets. SAP script is the tool used to create the layout set.
In order to print the document, the SAP system runs a program that collects the data for the document and feeds it into the layout set. This is called as Print Program.
SAP Provides a standard layout set for every printable document and usually there is no need to create layout sets as such. User just modifies the existing layout sets as per requirement of client.
Regards,
Sam

What is badi?difference between bapi and badi?

what is badi?difference between bapi and badi?

Hi..
BADI is just an object-oriented version of user-exit. Instead of entering program code into some function module (as in customer-exit), you define some class which has to implement predefined methods and those methods are fired at predefined points just like an old user-exit. Some BADI can have multiple independent implementations which is much better for software deployment as several developers can implement the same BADI independently.
To understand BAPIs, you must know that there are 2 things. One is the SAP Object Repository of the Business Object Repository (BOR) and the Function Builder.
Now the business objects with their business processes and business data, reside in the BOR, with the corresponding BAPI. the implementation of this BAPI resides in the function builder. Any external world (non SAP) programs or legacy systems can access the business processes or data of any business object in the BOR, thru the process of invoking the BAPI implementation of the BAPI for this business object.
Thus we can access a business object.
So we can say that a BAPI is a process that allows third party s/w or non SAP programs to access SAP Business object data and processes.
<REMOVED BY MODERATOR>
Regards
- Rishika
Edited by: Alvaro Tejada Galindo on Jun 12, 2008 5:33 PM

What is the difference between rfc and idoc

hi,
My name is rambabu.can anyone of u please tell me the main differences between idoc and rfc??
Thanks in Advance

hi Ramesh,
Remote Function Calls (RFC) and data exchange through IDoc
message documents. RFC makes direct and synchronous calls of a program in
the remote system. If the caller is an external program it will call an
RFC-enabled function in R/3 and if the calling program is the R/3 system
it will call an RFC-function in another R/3-system or it will call a
non-R/3 program through a gateway-proxy (usually rfcexec.exe). BAPIs are
a subset of the RFC-enabled function modules, especially designed as
Application Programming Interface (API) to the SAP business object, or in
other words: are function modules officially released by SAP to be called
from external programs.
IDocs are text encoded documents with a rigid structure that are used to
exchange data between R/3 and a foreign system. Instead of calling a
program in the destination system directly, the data is first packed into
an IDoc and then sent to the receiving system, where it is analyzed and
properly processed. Therefore an IDoc data exchange is always an
asynchronous process. The significant difference between simple RFC-calls
and IDoc data exchange is the fact, that every action performed on IDocs
are protocolled by R/3 and IDocs can be reprocessed if an error occurred
in one of the message steps.
While IDocs have to be understood as a data exchange protocol, EDI and ALE
are typical use cases for IDocs. R/3 uses IDocs for both EDI and ALE to
deliver data to the receiving system. ALE is basically the scheduling
mechanism that defines when and between which partners and what kind of
data will be exchanged on a regular or event triggered basis. Such a
set-up is called an ALE-scenario.
Regards
Sreeram.G.Reddy

Difference between bapi and function module

Can you guys tell me what are the differences in calling bapis and function modules?
I see we are calling both as the same way we call function modules. May be for bapis, we need to be careful in declaring and passing those exact structures. Can you please make it clear reg. the differences between them?
I appreciate it.
Thanks!

HI,
See these links on help.sap.com
For BAPI:
The data entered in the Internet is transferred to the R/3 System via BAPIs (Business Application Programming Interfaces).
Data in the R/3 System is accessed via BAPIs as well.
A Good Site for BAPI's
http://searchsap.techtarget.com/originalContent/0,289142,sid21_gci948835,00.html
http://help.sap.com/saphelp_erp2005/helpdata/en/7c/3ce38765ba11d395fe00a0c94260a5/frameset.htm
For Function Module:
The important use of functional module is it is used by Enhancements.
SAP Enhancements are used to expand the standard functionality within SAP.
Enhancements use function modules and are called from the standard SAP code.
http://help.sap.com/saphelp_erp2005/helpdata/en/41/7af4daa79e11d1950f0000e82de14a/frameset.htm
List of functional modules ( Good Site)
http://www.geocities.com/victorav15/sapr3/abapfun.html
Hope it helps!!!!
Thanks
Sudheer

Difference between BAPI and remote enabled function module

Hi!
what is the difference between remote enabled function module and
BAPI.
How do we use remote enabled function module .
thanks
Amit

Please search the forum before asking basic questions.

Main Difference Between EDI and IDOC Based On RFC

In IDOC ,RFC is Used to define the characteristics of communication links to a remote system on which a functions needs to be executed.
What About EDI ?

Hi Saurabh,
Check this..Hope it helps you.
EDI is nothing but Electronic data interchange. SAP will support EDI through Intermediate documents (IDOCS).
EDI (Electronic Document interchange) - EDI is the electronic exchange of business documents between the computer systems of business partners, using a standard format over a communication network.
EDI is also called paperless exchange.
Advantages:
Reduced Data entry errors
Reduced processing time
Availabilty of data in electonic form
Reduced paperwork
Reduced Cost
Reduced inventories and better planning
Standard means of communications
Better business process
EDI has two process
1. Outbound process
2. Inbound process
OP:
1.Application document is created.
2.IDOC is generated
3.IDoc is transferred from SAP to Operating system layer
4.Idoc is converted into EDI standards
5.Edi document is transmitted to the business partner
6.The Edi Subsystem report status to SAP
IP:
1.EDI transmission received
2.EDI document is converted into an IDOC
3.IDOC is transferred to the SAP layer
4.The application document is created
5.The application document can be viewed.
IDOC:
IDOC is a container that can be used to exchange data between any two process.
Each iDoc is assigned a unique number for tracking and future reference.
iDoc Consist of several segments,and segments contain several fields.
iDoc contains the following three type of records...
1.One Control Record.
2.One or many Data Record
3.One or many Status record.
PORT:
Port is used in the outbound process to determine the name of the EDI subsystem program,the directory path where the idoc file will be created at the operating system level,the idoc file names and the rfc desinations.
RFC Destination:
Used to define the characteristics of communication links to a remote system on which a functions needs to be executed.
Partner Profile:
Partner profile specified the various componets used in an outbound process ( Partner number,IDoc type,message type,Port,Process code),the mode in which it communicates with the subsystem(batch or immediate) and the person to be notified in case of errors.
Message Control
Used in pricing,account determination,material determination,and output determination.The message control component enables you to encapsulate business rules with out having to write abap programs.
Process:
Setup RFC destinations SM59
Port Destinations WE21
Partner Profile WE20
Message control NACE
Purchase Order ME21
Check IDOCs WE02,WE05
Explain to me about Idoc?
IDoc (for intermediate document) is a standard data structure for electronic data interchange (EDI) between application programs written for the popular SAP business system or between an SAP application and an external program. IDocs serve as the vehicle for data transfer in SAP's Application Link Enabling (ALE) system.
IDocs are used for asynchronous transactions: Each IDoc generated exists as a self-contained text file that can then be transmitted to the requesting workstation without connecting to the central database.
Another SAP mechanism, the Business Application Programming Interface (BAPI) is used for synchronous transactions.
A large enterprise's networked computing environment is likely to connect many geographically distributed computers to the main database. These computers are likely to use different hardware and/or operating system platforms. An IDoc encapsulates data so that it can be exchanged between different systems without conversion from one format to another.
IDoc types define different categories of data, such as purchase orders or invoices, which may then be broken down into more specific categories called message types. Greater specificity means that an IDoc type is capable of storing only the data required for a particular transaction, which increases efficiency and decreases resource demands.
An IDoc can be generated at any point in a transaction process. For example, during a shipping transaction process, an IDoc may be generated that includes the data fields required to print a shipping manifest. After a user performs an SAP transaction, one or more IDocs are generated in the sending database and passed to the ALE communication layer. The communication
layer performs a Remote Function Call (RFC), using the port definition and RFC destination specified by the customer model.
The IDoc is transmitted to the receiver, which may be an R/3, R/2, or some external system.
Re,Manas

What is the diffrence between BAPI and RFC and business object

Hi Experts,
Can anybody tel me what is the diffrence between RFC and BAPI , and also what is ther relation with business object?
Thanx in advance.
Nilesh Hiwale

Hi,
BAPI's are associated with Business Objects and also they are RFC enabled.
But RFC's are the FM's which can be called from external systems, those FM's can be used in many places based on the applications..
Check these Links
whats the difference between BAPI and RFC??
Diff. Between BAPI and RFC
Regards
Kiran

Difference between tRFC and RFC

Hi Experts,
Can any one help me in details to differentiate tRFC from RFC in their application perspective.
And also let me know the role of ALE and BAPI in both the connection log.ie,Where we have to use ALE and BAPI.
Regards
Kumar

Hi,
RFC = Remote Function Call and TRFC = Transactional Remote Function Call
Transactional RFC and Queued RFC are variants of the Remote Function Call that make the data transfer between different SAP R/3 systems more reliable and more secure.
Transactional RFC
http://help.sap.com/saphelp_nw04/helpdata/en/8b/ceea3b31aac554e10000000a114084/content.htm
RFC Help link
http://help.sap.com/saphelp_nw04/helpdata/en/b0/eae2a889e711d2956500a0c94260a5/frameset.htm
Refer BAPI & ALE
what is difference between BAPI and ALE
Re: ALE & BAPI communication
Re: bapi-ale interface
/Srinivas

Difference betrween BAPI and RFC

Hi All
Can anyone tell me the difference between BAPI and RFC.
I am unable to find it out ,except one,ie BAPI is based on object oriented concept .
please justify your answers with real scenerios.

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.
http://help.sap.com/saphelp_47x200/helpdata/en/22/042860488911d189490000e829fbbd/frameset.htm.
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.
Difference Between BAPI and RFC
What is the main difference between BAPI and RFC and difference between BAPI and BDC?
BAPI is used only when it is available for the particular transaction like Delivery Sales order. but BDC can be used for any
transaction which have screen and fields.
BAPI is directly updated the database instead BDC run through the screen flow.
So BAPI can't handle all the flow logic checking and enhancement put by programmer to faciliate the user requirement.
Difference between BAPI and BDC:
BAPI is a higher end usage for tranfering the data from SAP to non-SAP and vice-versa. for ex: if we are using VB application,where in that we want to connect to SAP and retireve the data,and then change and update the data in SAP for that purpose we can use that.
Apart from that, we can also use it for Uploading/Downloading the data from SAP to Non-SAP like BDC, provided we have an existing BAPI for that.
BAPI function modules will also do all the checks required for data integrity like Transactions for BDC.
There is one more advantage using BAPI instead of BDC. When we go for upgradation, there might be pozzibility to change the screen elements for transactions depending on the requirement. In that case,our BDC pgm may or may not work (depending on the screen changes they have made). Unless and until we prepare new BDC we cant use the old BDC pgm. But in BAPI, SAP promises that they are going to keep the old BAPI and for new functionality they will provide an upgraded BAPI. Until we write a new BAPI pgm, we can use the exisitng BAPI pgm.
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 you 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. It is not possible to connect SAP to Non-SAP systems to retrieve data using RFC alone. RFC can acces the SAP from outside only through BAPI and same is for vice versa access.
RFC is the protocol used by SAP for remote communication, that is, for communications between remote (independent) systems. RFC is used for communications between two independent SAP systems, or for communications between an SAP system and a non-SAP system, such as an external application. It can also be used for communications between modules on the same system. Using the RFC interfaces you can extend the functionality of R/3 applications from an external program.
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
What is the difference between RFC and BAPI?.
whats difference between rfc and bapi?
difference between rfc & bapi
difference between RFC and BAPi
Difference between BAPI and RFC?
also chk this
http://www.sap-img.com/abap/interview-question-on-bapi-rfc-abap-objects-tables.htm
regards,
srinivas
*reward for useful answers*

Difference between BAPI and IDocs

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for