Simple Transformations

Simple Transformations (ST) is an SAP programming language for describing transformations between ABAP data and XML formats. ST is restricted to the two modes of serialization (ABAP to XML) and deserialization (XML to ABAP) of ABAP data, which are most important for data integration. Transformations from ABAP to ABAP and XML to XML, like in the more general XSLT are not possible in ST.

In comparison with XSLT, the main advantages of ST programs are as follows:

• ST programs are declarative and thus easier to read

• ST programs only have serial access to the XML data and are therefore very efficient even with large data volumes

• ST programs describe serialization and deserialization simultaneously - that is, ABAP data serialized in XML with ST can also be deserialized with the same ST program.

Simple transformations that can be called using CALL TRANSFORMATION must be in the repository. ST programs can be edited using the Transformation Editor. This is called up either with transaction STRANS or by choosing Edit Object → More → Transformation followed by Simple Transformation in the ABAP Workbench object navigator

More information on Simple Transformations is available in the Knowledge Warehouse.