Business Application Programming Interface (BAPI)

Definition - What does Business Application Programming Interface (BAPI) mean?

A Business Application Programming Interface (BAPI) is a defined object-oriented programming (OOP) interface that provides precise business application system data and processes while facilitating external SAP application programming communication. BAPI's core technology facilitates a broad development spectrum.

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Techopedia explains Business Application Programming Interface (BAPI)

BAPI features are as follows:

Operates with different platforms, including UNIX and COBRA
Uses a variety of programming languages, including C++, Java, Visual Basic and Advanced Business Application Programming (ABAP)
Application development via any front-end client application with advanced R/3 logic
External R/3 application layer access
Client R/3 application access to core R/3 business logic
Client access to all object-oriented application views

BAPIs are SAP business object type APIs, which are stored in the Business Object Repository (BOR). BAPIs are implemented as function modules that are stored in the Function Builder. SAP R/3 is a proprietary business application that accesses external R/3 logic.

BAPI's core technology facilitates a broad development spectrum, including the following:

Asynchronous R/3 system component isolation via Application Link Enabling (ALE) within distributed business frameworks
New R/3 components, like Advanced Planner and Optimizer (APO)
R/3 system Internet connections via Internet Application Components (IAC)
Front-end PC programs to R/3 systems, such as Visual Basic
Workflow application extensions
Non-SAP software