Platform

CAP (Cloud Application Programming Model)CAP

What it is

SAP's framework for building services and apps in Node.js or Java on BTP, using CDS (the same modelling language family) for data and service definitions. The non-ABAP counterpart to RAP for side-by-side apps.

Why it matters for Clean Core

When a side-by-side extension's team or ecosystem fits JavaScript/Java better than ABAP, CAP is the clean path. Knowing when to pick CAP vs RAP for a BTP extension is a real architecture decision.

Common pitfall

Assuming CAP and RAP are interchangeable. They share CDS but target different runtimes and skill sets. For an ABAP team building on-stack or in the ABAP Environment, RAP is usually the better fit; CAP shines for polyglot side-by-side.

Learn it in the DojoCAP vs. ABAP RAP for a BTP extensionSAP BTP Side-by-Side Extensions

Related terms