ABAP Unit Testing in ABAP Cloud: Complete Guide (2025)

Why Unit Testing in ABAP Cloud?

Advantages

Early error detection (before production)
Refactoring safety (changes without fear)
Documentation (tests = specification)
CI/CD-ready (automated tests)
Code quality (enforces testable code)

ABAP Cloud Specifics

No debugger in production -> Tests essential
RAP Framework -> Special test tools
CDS Views -> CDS Test Environment

1. ABAP Unit Basics

First Test Class

CLASS zcl_calculator DEFINITION PUBLIC.
  PUBLIC SECTION.
    CLASS-METHODS add
      IMPORTING iv_a            TYPE i
                iv_b            TYPE i
      RETURNING VALUE(rv_result) TYPE i.
ENDCLASS.

CLASS zcl_calculator IMPLEMENTATION.
  METHOD add.
    rv_result = iv_a + iv_b.
  ENDMETHOD.
ENDCLASS.


" ===== TEST CLASS =====
CLASS ltc_calculator_test DEFINITION FINAL
  FOR TESTING
  DURATION SHORT
  RISK LEVEL HARMLESS.

  PRIVATE SECTION.
    METHODS test_add_positive FOR TESTING.
    METHODS test_add_negative FOR TESTING.
    METHODS test_add_zero FOR TESTING.
ENDCLASS.

CLASS ltc_calculator_test IMPLEMENTATION.
  METHOD test_add_positive.
    " Given
    DATA(lv_a) = 5.
    DATA(lv_b) = 3.

    " When
    DATA(lv_result) = zcl_calculator=>add(
      iv_a = lv_a
      iv_b = lv_b
    ).

    " Then
    cl_abap_unit_assert=>assert_equals(
      act = lv_result
      exp = 8
      msg = '5 + 3 should equal 8'
    ).
  ENDMETHOD.

  METHOD test_add_negative.
    DATA(lv_result) = zcl_calculator=>add(
      iv_a = -5
      iv_b = 3
    ).

    cl_abap_unit_assert=>assert_equals(
      act = lv_result
      exp = -2
    ).
  ENDMETHOD.

  METHOD test_add_zero.
    DATA(lv_result) = zcl_calculator=>add(
      iv_a = 0
      iv_b = 0
    ).

    cl_abap_unit_assert=>assert_equals(
      act = lv_result
      exp = 0
    ).
  ENDMETHOD.
ENDCLASS.

Running Tests

In ADT:

Right-click on class -> Run As -> ABAP Unit Test
Results in ABAP Unit tab

All tests green? Perfect!

2. Test Structure: Given-When-Then

Best Practice Pattern:

METHOD test_something.
  " GIVEN (Arrange)
  " - Setup test data
  " - Create preconditions

  DATA(lv_input) = 'Test'.
  DATA(lo_object) = NEW zcl_my_class( ).

  " WHEN (Act)
  " - Execute method being tested

  DATA(lv_result) = lo_object->process( lv_input ).

  " THEN (Assert)
  " - Check result

  cl_abap_unit_assert=>assert_equals(
    act = lv_result
    exp = 'EXPECTED'
  ).
ENDMETHOD.

3. Assertion Methods

Check Equality

" Value equality
cl_abap_unit_assert=>assert_equals(
  act = lv_actual
  exp = lv_expected
  msg = 'Values should match'
).

" Object instantiation
cl_abap_unit_assert=>assert_bound(
  act = lo_object
  msg = 'Object should be instantiated'
).

" Non-equality
cl_abap_unit_assert=>assert_differs(
  act = lv_actual
  exp = lv_wrong_value
).

Boolean Checks

" True/False
cl_abap_unit_assert=>assert_true(
  act = lv_condition
  msg = 'Should be true'
).

cl_abap_unit_assert=>assert_false(
  act = lv_condition
).

Initial/Not Initial

cl_abap_unit_assert=>assert_initial(
  act = lv_value
  msg = 'Should be initial'
).

cl_abap_unit_assert=>assert_not_initial(
  act = lv_value
).

Table Checks

" Table contains
cl_abap_unit_assert=>assert_table_contains(
  table = lt_result
  line  = ls_expected_line
).

" Number of rows
DATA(lv_lines) = lines( lt_result ).
cl_abap_unit_assert=>assert_equals(
  act = lv_lines
  exp = 3
).

Check Exceptions

METHOD test_exception_thrown.
  DATA(lo_object) = NEW zcl_my_class( ).

  TRY.
      lo_object->method_that_throws( 'invalid' ).

      " If we get here: Test failed!
      cl_abap_unit_assert=>fail(
        msg = 'Exception should have been thrown'
      ).

    CATCH zcx_my_exception INTO DATA(lx_error).
      " Expected exception -> Test passed
      cl_abap_unit_assert=>assert_bound( lx_error ).
  ENDTRY.
ENDMETHOD.

4. Test Fixtures (Setup & Teardown)

CLASS ltc_test DEFINITION FOR TESTING
  DURATION SHORT
  RISK LEVEL HARMLESS.

  PRIVATE SECTION.
    " Class-Level (once for all tests)
    CLASS-DATA lo_shared_object TYPE REF TO zcl_my_class.

    CLASS-METHODS class_setup.
    CLASS-METHODS class_teardown.

    " Instance-Level (before/after each test)
    DATA lo_test_object TYPE REF TO zcl_my_class.

    METHODS setup.
    METHODS teardown.

    METHODS test_1 FOR TESTING.
    METHODS test_2 FOR TESTING.
ENDCLASS.

CLASS ltc_test IMPLEMENTATION.
  METHOD class_setup.
    " Executed 1x before all tests
    lo_shared_object = NEW zcl_my_class( ).
  ENDMETHOD.

  METHOD class_teardown.
    " Executed 1x after all tests
    FREE lo_shared_object.
  ENDMETHOD.

  METHOD setup.
    " Executed before EACH test
    lo_test_object = NEW zcl_my_class( ).
  ENDMETHOD.

  METHOD teardown.
    " Executed after EACH test
    CLEAR lo_test_object.
  ENDMETHOD.

  METHOD test_1.
    " lo_test_object is freshly initialized here
  ENDMETHOD.

  METHOD test_2.
    " lo_test_object is fresh again (not affected by test_1)
  ENDMETHOD.
ENDCLASS.

5. CDS View Testing

Set Up Test Environment

CLASS ltc_cds_test DEFINITION FOR TESTING
  DURATION SHORT
  RISK LEVEL HARMLESS.

  PRIVATE SECTION.
    CLASS-DATA environment TYPE REF TO if_cds_test_environment.

    CLASS-METHODS class_setup.
    CLASS-METHODS class_teardown.

    METHODS setup.
    METHODS test_customer_view FOR TESTING.
ENDCLASS.

CLASS ltc_cds_test IMPLEMENTATION.
  METHOD class_setup.
    " Create CDS Test Environment
    environment = cl_cds_test_environment=>create_for_multiple_cds(
      i_for_entities = VALUE #(
        ( i_for_entity = 'Z_CUSTOMER' )
        ( i_for_entity = 'Z_SALESORDER' )
      )
    ).
  ENDMETHOD.

  METHOD class_teardown.
    environment->destroy( ).
  ENDMETHOD.

  METHOD setup.
    environment->clear_doubles( ).
  ENDMETHOD.

  METHOD test_customer_view.
    " GIVEN: Insert test data
    DATA(lt_customers) = VALUE ztab_customers(
      ( customer_id = '0001' name = 'Test AG' country = 'DE' )
      ( customer_id = '0002' name = 'Demo GmbH' country = 'AT' )
    ).

    environment->insert_test_data( lt_customers ).

    " WHEN: Query CDS View
    SELECT customer_id, name, country
      FROM z_customer
      WHERE country = 'DE'
      INTO TABLE @DATA(lt_result).

    " THEN: Assertions
    cl_abap_unit_assert=>assert_equals(
      act = lines( lt_result )
      exp = 1
      msg = 'Should find 1 German customer'
    ).

    cl_abap_unit_assert=>assert_equals(
      act = lt_result[ 1 ]-name
      exp = 'Test AG'
    ).
  ENDMETHOD.
ENDCLASS.

6. RAP Testing

Test RAP Business Object

CLASS ltc_rap_test DEFINITION FOR TESTING
  DURATION SHORT
  RISK LEVEL HARMLESS.

  PRIVATE SECTION.
    CLASS-DATA environment TYPE REF TO if_cds_test_environment.

    CLASS-METHODS class_setup.
    METHODS setup.
    METHODS teardown.

    METHODS test_create_book FOR TESTING.
    METHODS test_action_start_reading FOR TESTING.
    METHODS test_validation_isbn FOR TESTING.
ENDCLASS.

CLASS ltc_rap_test IMPLEMENTATION.
  METHOD class_setup.
    environment = cl_cds_test_environment=>create_for_multiple_cds(
      i_for_entities = VALUE #( ( i_for_entity = 'ZI_BOOK' ) )
    ).
  ENDMETHOD.

  METHOD setup.
    environment->clear_doubles( ).
  ENDMETHOD.

  METHOD teardown.
    ROLLBACK ENTITIES.
  ENDMETHOD.

  METHOD test_create_book.
    " GIVEN
    DATA lt_create TYPE TABLE FOR CREATE zi_book.
    lt_create = VALUE #(
      ( %cid   = 'BOOK_1'
        title  = 'Test Book'
        author = 'Test Author'
        isbn   = '1234567890'
        pages  = 100 )
    ).

    " WHEN
    MODIFY ENTITIES OF zi_book
      ENTITY Book
        CREATE FROM lt_create
      MAPPED DATA(mapped)
      FAILED DATA(failed)
      REPORTED DATA(reported).

    COMMIT ENTITIES.

    " THEN
    cl_abap_unit_assert=>assert_initial(
      act = failed
      msg = 'Create should succeed'
    ).

    " Read book
    READ ENTITIES OF zi_book
      ENTITY Book
        ALL FIELDS
        WITH VALUE #( ( %cid = 'BOOK_1' ) )
      RESULT DATA(lt_books).

    cl_abap_unit_assert=>assert_equals(
      act = lt_books[ 1 ]-title
      exp = 'Test Book'
    ).
  ENDMETHOD.

  METHOD test_action_start_reading.
    " GIVEN: Create book with Status 'N'
    MODIFY ENTITIES OF zi_book
      ENTITY Book
        CREATE FROM VALUE #(
          ( %cid   = 'B1'
            title  = 'Test'
            status = 'N' )
        ).
    COMMIT ENTITIES.

    " WHEN: Execute action
    MODIFY ENTITIES OF zi_book
      ENTITY Book
        EXECUTE startReading FROM VALUE #( ( %cid = 'B1' ) )
      RESULT DATA(result).

    COMMIT ENTITIES.

    " THEN: Status should be 'R'
    READ ENTITIES OF zi_book
      ENTITY Book
        FIELDS ( status )
        WITH VALUE #( ( %cid = 'B1' ) )
      RESULT DATA(lt_books).

    cl_abap_unit_assert=>assert_equals(
      act = lt_books[ 1 ]-status
      exp = 'R'
    ).
  ENDMETHOD.

  METHOD test_validation_isbn.
    " GIVEN: Invalid ISBN (too short)
    DATA lt_create TYPE TABLE FOR CREATE zi_book.
    lt_create = VALUE #(
      ( %cid  = 'B1'
        title = 'Test'
        isbn  = '12345' )  " Only 5 characters!
    ).

    " WHEN
    MODIFY ENTITIES OF zi_book
      ENTITY Book
        CREATE FROM lt_create.

    COMMIT ENTITIES
      FAILED DATA(failed).

    " THEN: Should fail
    cl_abap_unit_assert=>assert_not_initial(
      act = failed-book
      msg = 'Validation should fail'
    ).
  ENDMETHOD.
ENDCLASS.

7. Test Doubles (Mocking)

For dependent objects:

" Interface (to mock)
INTERFACE zif_email_sender.
  METHODS send_email
    IMPORTING iv_to      TYPE string
              iv_subject TYPE string
              iv_body    TYPE string
    RETURNING VALUE(rv_success) TYPE abap_bool.
ENDINTERFACE.

" Production class
CLASS zcl_order_processor DEFINITION PUBLIC.
  PUBLIC SECTION.
    METHODS constructor
      IMPORTING io_email_sender TYPE REF TO zif_email_sender.

    METHODS process_order
      IMPORTING iv_order_id TYPE string
      RETURNING VALUE(rv_success) TYPE abap_bool.

  PRIVATE SECTION.
    DATA mo_email_sender TYPE REF TO zif_email_sender.
ENDCLASS.

CLASS zcl_order_processor IMPLEMENTATION.
  METHOD constructor.
    mo_email_sender = io_email_sender.
  ENDMETHOD.

  METHOD process_order.
    " Processing...

    " Send email
    DATA(lv_email_sent) = mo_email_sender->send_email(
      iv_to      = '[email protected]'
      iv_subject = 'Order Confirmation'
      iv_body    = |Your order { iv_order_id } was processed|
    ).

    rv_success = lv_email_sent.
  ENDMETHOD.
ENDCLASS.


" ===== TEST with Mock =====
CLASS ltc_test DEFINITION FOR TESTING.
  PRIVATE SECTION.
    DATA mo_email_mock TYPE REF TO ltc_email_sender_mock.
    DATA mo_processor TYPE REF TO zcl_order_processor.

    METHODS setup.
    METHODS test_order_processing FOR TESTING.
ENDCLASS.

CLASS ltc_test IMPLEMENTATION.
  METHOD setup.
    " Create mock
    mo_email_mock = NEW ltc_email_sender_mock( ).

    " Inject mock into processor
    mo_processor = NEW zcl_order_processor( mo_email_mock ).
  ENDMETHOD.

  METHOD test_order_processing.
    " GIVEN: Mock returns true
    mo_email_mock->set_return_value( abap_true ).

    " WHEN
    DATA(lv_result) = mo_processor->process_order( '12345' ).

    " THEN
    cl_abap_unit_assert=>assert_true( lv_result ).

    " Check: was send_email called?
    cl_abap_unit_assert=>assert_true(
      act = mo_email_mock->was_send_email_called( )
    ).
  ENDMETHOD.
ENDCLASS.

" Mock implementation
CLASS ltc_email_sender_mock DEFINITION.
  PUBLIC SECTION.
    INTERFACES zif_email_sender.

    METHODS set_return_value
      IMPORTING iv_value TYPE abap_bool.

    METHODS was_send_email_called
      RETURNING VALUE(rv_called) TYPE abap_bool.

  PRIVATE SECTION.
    DATA mv_return_value TYPE abap_bool.
    DATA mv_was_called TYPE abap_bool.
ENDCLASS.

CLASS ltc_email_sender_mock IMPLEMENTATION.
  METHOD zif_email_sender~send_email.
    mv_was_called = abap_true.
    rv_success = mv_return_value.
  ENDMETHOD.

  METHOD set_return_value.
    mv_return_value = iv_value.
  ENDMETHOD.

  METHOD was_send_email_called.
    rv_called = mv_was_called.
  ENDMETHOD.
ENDCLASS.

8. Code Coverage

Measure Coverage

In ADT:

Right-click on class -> Coverage As -> ABAP Unit Test
Coverage report opens

Goal: >70% for critical classes, >80% for business logic

Interpret Coverage

Coverage	Quality	Action
<50%	Bad	Write more tests!
50-70%	Okay	Test critical paths
70-90%	Good	Add edge cases
>90%	Excellent	Maintain

Important: 100% coverage ≠ perfect tests!

9. Test-Driven Development (TDD)

Red-Green-Refactor Cycle

1. RED: Write test (fails)
   |
2. GREEN: Write minimal code (test passes)
   |
3. REFACTOR: Improve code (tests stay green)
   |
Repeat

Example TDD Session

1. RED: Write test

METHOD test_calculate_discount.
  " Given
  DATA(lv_amount) = 1000.

  " When
  DATA(lv_discount) = zcl_pricing=>calculate_discount( lv_amount ).

  " Then
  cl_abap_unit_assert=>assert_equals(
    act = lv_discount
    exp = 100  " 10% discount
  ).
ENDMETHOD.

Run test: Fails (method doesn’t exist)

2. GREEN: Minimal implementation

CLASS zcl_pricing IMPLEMENTATION.
  METHOD calculate_discount.
    rv_discount = iv_amount * '0.1'.
  ENDMETHOD.
ENDCLASS.

Run test: Passes

3. REFACTOR: Improve

METHOD calculate_discount.
  CONSTANTS lc_discount_rate TYPE p LENGTH 3 DECIMALS 2 VALUE '0.1'.

  IF iv_amount <= 0.
    RAISE EXCEPTION TYPE zcx_invalid_amount.
  ENDIF.

  rv_discount = iv_amount * lc_discount_rate.
ENDMETHOD.

Run tests: Still green!

4. New Test: Edge Case

METHOD test_discount_negative_amount.
  TRY.
      zcl_pricing=>calculate_discount( -100 ).
      cl_abap_unit_assert=>fail( 'Exception expected' ).
    CATCH zcx_invalid_amount.
      " Expected
  ENDTRY.
ENDMETHOD.

10. Best Practices

DO

Write test-first (TDD)
One assert per test (Single Responsibility)
Descriptive test names (test_discount_for_premium_customer)
Use Given-When-Then pattern
Independent tests (no order dependency)
Fast tests (<1s per test)
Realistic test data (but anonymized)

DON’T

Test production data (only test data!)
Use sleep/wait
DB commits in tests (if avoidable)
Disable tests (commented-out)
Complex test logic (tests should be simple)

Summary

ABAP Unit Testing Cheat Sheet:

Aspect	Tool/Pattern
Basic tests	`cl_abap_unit_assert`
CDS Views	`cl_cds_test_environment`
RAP	`MODIFY/READ ENTITIES` + `COMMIT ENTITIES`
Mocking	Test Doubles (custom mock classes)
Coverage	ADT Coverage Tool (Goal: >70%)
Pattern	Given-When-Then
Approach	Test-Driven Development (TDD)

Mindset: Tests are investment, not waste!

See also:

RAP Tutorial Part 3: Best Practices
ABAP Cloud Performance Optimization
ABAP Cloud Cheat Sheet

Happy Testing!