Web Dynpro for ABAP (WD4A) provides ABAP developers with a vast array of new possibilities: Get ready! This long-awaited book introduces readers to all the benefits of component-based UI development in ABAP.

First, the author introduces you to Web Dynpro Explorer and the architecture of the runtime and development environments of the WD4A framework. Then start to sharpen your skills right away as you're guided through real-life scenarios: transferring parameters, implementing dropdown lists and radio buttons, displaying tree structures and tables, user guidance via RoadMap, calling popup windows and input helps, and much more.

Readers learn in-depth details on the various functions and tools that assist in implementing Web Dynpro technology on the SAP NetWeaver Application Server ABAP. Chapters on the reuse of WD4A components, the integration of WD4A applications (into SAP NetWeaver Portal for example), and a description of all classes and interfaces of the WD4A framework come together with volumes of examples, commented source code, and exclusive screen captures to make this book an indispensable companion for modern UI design.

Highlights

• WD4A Framework: Web Dynpro Explorer, View Layout, Controller Methods, Plugs, Phase Model
• WD4A Applications: Parameter Transfer, Navigation, Tree Structures, User Guidance, Table Display, Input Helps
• Multi-Component Applications: MVC Concepts in the WD4A Framework and Componentization
• Components: Dynamic Applications and Reuse
• Integration: SAP NetWeaver Portal and Internationalization

Table of Contents

Introduction ... 13

1. On the Development of Web-Based Applications ... 23
... 1.1 Mainframe and Client Server Systems ... 24
... 1.2 Business Server Pages ... 27
... 1.3 Web Dynpro Framework ... 29
... 1.4 Web Dynpro for ABAP for Future Use ... 35

2. WD4A Framework ... 37
... 2.1 Web Dynpro Explorer ... 37
... 2.2 Relationships Between Application and Component ... 51
... 2.3 Visual Parts ... 53
... 2.4 View Controller and View Context ... 61
... 2.5 Controllers and Controller Methods ... 78
... 2.6 Navigation, Inbound Plugs, and Outbound Plugs ... 87
... 2.7 Phase Model ... 91

3. Developing WD4A Applications ... 95
... 3.1 Transferring Parameters from a URI ... 95
... 3.2 Influencing the Request/Response Cycle ... 103
... 3.3 Implementation of Selection Options ... 111
... 3.4 Presentation of Tree Structures ... 125
... 3.5 User Guidance per RoadMap and Messages ... 137
... 3.6 Presenting Tables ... 152
... 3.7 Calling Popup Windows ... 163
... 3.8 Using Input Helps ... 171
... 3.9 Internationalization ... 172
... 3.10 Customization, Configuration, Personalization ... 176

4. Multi-Component Applications ... 185
... 4.1 A Model of Layer Separation ... 185
... 4.2 Defining WD4A Component Usages ... 192
... 4.3 Componentizing an Application ... 200

5. Dynamic Component Applications ... 225
... 5.1 Types of Dynamic Changes ... 225
... 5.2 Dynamic Programming—A Sample Application ... 237

6. Reusing WD4A Components ... 261
... 6.1 Comparing Classes and Components ... 261
... 6.2 ALV Component SALV_WD_TABLE ... 263
... 6.3 OVS Component WDR_OVS ... 270
... 6.4 SO Component WDR_SELECT_OPTIONS ... 275
... 6.5 Developing Input-Help Components ... 282
... 6.6 Enhancements of Components ... 288

7. Integrating WD4A Applications ... 293
... 7.1 Integration into the SAP NetWeaver Portal ... 293
... 7.2 Graphical Display of Data ... 297
... 7.3 Interactive Forms Via Adobe Integration ... 308

A. Classes and Interfaces ... 317
... A.1 Component ... 317
... A.2 Context ... 326
... A.3 View ... 335
... A.4 Window ... 339
... A.5 Integration ... 341
... A.6 Application ... 342
... A.7 Other ... 343

B. Bibliography ... 353

C. The Author ... 354

Index ... 355