Types of CDS Views in SAP

SAP Core Data Services (CDS) views are categorized based on their purpose and functionality within the SAP system. The main types of CDS views are:

1. Basic (Interface) Views

• These are the foundation of the virtual data model (VDM).
• They provide direct access to database tables and primarily focus on exposing raw data.
• Used for defining reusable, stable interfaces without applying business logic.
• Example: I_EmployeeBasicData

2. Composite Views

• Built on top of Basic Views to apply business logic, aggregations, or transformations.
• Combine multiple data sources to create meaningful analytical datasets.
• Used for reusable data sets in multiple applications.
• Example: C_SalesOrderAnalytics

3. Consumption Views

• Designed for direct consumption in analytics tools like SAP Fiori, Analysis for Office, and SAC.
• Typically exposed as OData services for UI applications.
• Include annotations for UI, analytics, and authorization.
• Example: C_ProfitabilityAnalysis

4. Transactional Views

• Support transactional processing by providing real-time operational insights.
• Often used in Fiori apps that interact with transactional data.
• Example: I_SalesOrderItem

5. Analytical Views

• Optimized for reporting and analytical scenarios.
• Used in embedded analytics and SAC reporting.
• Include measures, calculated fields, and aggregations.
• Example: C_FinancialStatement

6. Fact Views

• Represent core business data in a structured way.
• Typically contain transactional information like sales, revenue, and orders.
• Example: I_AccountingDocumentItem

7. Dimension Views

• Represent master data structures like customers, materials, or employees.
• Used to enrich transactional data with descriptive attributes.
• Example: I_Customer

8. Hierarchy Views

• Used to define hierarchical structures like cost centers, profit centers, or organizational units.
• Example: I_CostCenterHierarchy

9. Extension Views

• Allow enhancement of standard CDS views without modifying the original.
• Example: Extend View for I_SalesOrder