BAS limitations to create CDS view instead of Eclipse - still only way

Unfortunately, you can't fully create CDS views directly within Business Application Studio (BAS) at this time. While BAS offers excellent tools for developing UI5 applications and working with SAP Cloud Platform services, it doesn't have the built-in capabilities for ABAP CDS view development that are present in Eclipse with the ABAP Development Tools (ADT).

Here's why and what alternatives you have:

Why not BAS (yet)?

• ABAP Focus: CDS views in the context of SAP S/4HANA and SAP ERP systems are tightly integrated with the ABAP layer. BAS primarily focuses on cloud-based development and doesn't have the deep ABAP integration required for CDS view creation and activation.
• Backend Connection: Creating and activating CDS views requires a direct connection to an ABAP backend system. While BAS can connect to ABAP systems for certain tasks, it doesn't provide the full-fledged ABAP development environment needed for CDS views.

Alternatives and Workarounds:

1. Eclipse with ADT: This remains the primary and recommended way to develop ABAP CDS views. It provides all the necessary tools, including:
   • ABAP Editor with syntax highlighting and code completion
   • Data preview and debugging capabilities
   • Integration with the ABAP Data Dictionary (DDIC)
   • Seamless activation and transport management
2. Hybrid Approach (Limited): You could potentially use BAS for some aspects of CDS view development in a hybrid approach:
   • Initial Draft: You might draft the basic SQL-like structure of your CDS view in BAS using a simple text editor, leveraging its code completion for SQL.
   • Transfer to Eclipse: Then, copy the code into Eclipse with ADT for full development, activation, and integration with the ABAP system.
3. Future Possibilities: SAP is continuously evolving its development tools. It's possible that BAS might gain more comprehensive ABAP CDS view capabilities in the future. Keep an eye on SAP's roadmaps and announcements for updates.

In summary: For now, Eclipse with ADT is the go-to environment for ABAP CDS view development. While BAS offers powerful tools for other SAP development tasks, it doesn't yet provide the full capabilities needed for working with CDS views directly.