Think Like Python

A Guide for ABAP Developers

Welcome

This guide is built for ABAP developers who want to expand into Python without losing their existing mindset. Instead of teaching Python from scratch, we translate what you already know into modern development patterns.

Created by Edwin A. Rodriguez — Software Engineer and SRE focused on SAP reliability, automation, and modern development practices.

What You Will Build

First Project Preview

ABAP Example

SELECT * FROM mara INTO TABLE lt_mara. CALL FUNCTION 'REUSE_ALV_GRID_DISPLAY'.

Python Example

import pandas as pd from bokeh.plotting import figure, show data = pd.read_csv("data.csv") p = figure(title="Material Data") p.line(data.index, data['value']) show(p)

Learning Approach

We start with familiar ABAP patterns and translate them step by step.

Each concept is rewritten using Python tools and libraries.

You will build working tools within your first sessions.

Table of Contents

Use this section as the home base for the full web-book. Each chapter opens as its own page and includes navigation back here, plus previous and next chapter links.

Chapter 0

Getting Your Python Workbench Ready

Set up the workstation, editor, interpreter, and working habits for Python development.
Chapter 1

Thinking Like Python

Translate ABAP development instincts into Python concepts and workflows.
Chapter 2

First Project: ALV to Python

Recreate a familiar SAP reporting pattern using Python, Pandas, and charting.
Chapter 3

Make It Useful

Turn a basic script into something business users can understand and reuse.
Chapter 4

From Script to Tool

Add structure, error handling, configuration, and repeatable execution.
Chapter 5

Give It a Web Interface

Move from local scripts into Flask-style web utility patterns.
Chapter 6

Make the Flask Report Useful

Improve the web report experience with better inputs, outputs, and usability.
Chapter 7

BTP Cloud Foundry

Package and deploy non-ABAP Python applications to SAP BTP Cloud Foundry.
Chapter 8

Talking to SAP APIs

Connect Python applications to SAP APIs and handle authentication-aware patterns.
Chapter 9

OCR Flagship

Build a practical OCR use case with extraction, review, and integration thinking.
Chapter 10

AI OCR API Deployment

Turn the OCR idea into an API-style deployable service with AI-ready architecture.
Chapter 11

From Developer to ALM Engineer

Close the book with observability, automation-first thinking, and risk-based validation.

About the Author

This guide was created by Edwin A. Rodriguez as a practical knowledge-share reference for ABAP developers moving into Python, automation, cloud workflows, and modern SAP development patterns.

Read more about the author and copyright details →

Getting Started

Begin with Chapter 0 to set up your environment and tools, or jump directly to any chapter from the table of contents above. No prior Python experience is required.