Importing/Exporting ABAP packages to Presentation server

When working with ABAP packages, you often need to import or export them to your local presentation server for backup, sharing, or migration purposes. There are two main approaches to accomplish this task effectively.

Using SAPlink Tool

SAPlink is a popular open-source tool that allows you to export custom ABAP objects to your presentation server. This tool is particularly useful for exporting individual development objects or small collections of related objects.

You can use SAPlink to export custom objects and package them as needed. However, it's important to note that SAPlink may not cover all object types available in SAP systems. While it handles most common development objects like programs, function modules, and classes, some specialized object types might not be supported.

SAPlink Export Process

The typical SAPlink export process involves the following steps ?

* Navigate to SAPlink in your SAP system
* Select the objects you want to export
* Choose export format (typically XML)
* Specify the target location on presentation server
* Execute the export process

Using Transport System (Basis Approach)

Another way using basis functionality is to configure the transport system to handle your package exports. This method involves adding the required objects to a Transport Request in your SAP system, setting the destination where you want the backup objects to be stored, and then releasing them to apply the transport.

This approach offers more comprehensive coverage of object types and is the standard SAP method for moving development objects between systems. You can programmatically or manually take the transported files and manipulate them as needed for your specific requirements.

Transport-Based Export Steps

* Create a new transport request (SE09/SE10)
* Add package objects to the transport
* Configure transport destination settings
* Release the transport request
* Locate exported files in transport directory
* Copy files to presentation server location

Conclusion

Both SAPlink and the transport system approach offer viable solutions for importing/exporting ABAP packages to the presentation server, with the transport method providing more comprehensive object type coverage while SAPlink offers simplicity for smaller exports.