Data Source References

As of SAP NetWeaver 7.50, the referenced data source (RDS) approach can be used.

Service generation of the following:

• Read method
• Query method

The Service Builder generates a MPC_EXT and a DPC_EXT class whose methods can be redefined.

In contrast to the autoexposure of a CDS view, as an OData source the referenced data source approach offers several advantages that are described in the following. This is also the reason why using the referenced data source approach is the recommended one for more complex scenarios.

Using RDS you can do the following:

• Following the hierarchy of associations and select a deep hierarchy of CDS views.
• Limit the number of CDS views that are part of your OData service.
• Add non-CDS based entity sets so that you can extend your OData service using code-based implementation.
• RDS offers the use of ABAP "exits" by implementing the appropriate methods of the model or data provider class. An example is the implementation of the DEFINE method of the MPC_EXT in order to create annotations that are not supported by the SADL layer yet.
• It is possible to implement the CREATE_ENTITY, UPDATE_ENTITY and DELETE_ENTITY method. Here you can call classic APIs such as BAPIs.