---
title: "AI SDLC for SAP: How to Use AI in SAP ABAP Teams"
description: "AI SDLC for SAP: score 0-10 how much of your SAP development lifecycle Claude Code or GitHub Copilot can run. Free test, install guide and 10 AI skills."
url: "https://www.engineeringleaders.io/academy/ai-sdlc-for-sap"
lang: "en"
image: "https://www.engineeringleaders.io/academy/_astro/ai-sdlc-timeline-sketch.WyGPM0Ct.webp"
---

Free test · 8 steps · about 10 minutes

# AI SDLC for SAP

How to use AI in SAP ABAP teams, from Jira ticket to transport

In a 180-task ABAP benchmark, Claude solved 37% of tasks on the first try and 84% after five rounds of compiler and test feedback. How much of that your SAP team gets depends on its AI software development lifecycle. Answer 8 steps about your AI tools, IDE, SAP release and rules, and get an AI SDLC proposal that fits your environment: a 0 to 10 score for how much of your SAP development cycle AI can run, what to change first, the install steps for your setup and how your ABAP developers use each of 10 AI skills.

![Hand-drawn timeline titled 10 SAP AI skills: Evaluation, Development, Testing and Deployment, with spec-grill and reverse-engineer at Evaluation, implement, refactor, cds-rewrite and bugfix at Development, test-case and code-review at Testing, and transport-release and documentation at Deployment.](https://www.engineeringleaders.io/academy/_astro/ai-sdlc-timeline-sketch.WyGPM0Ct_lgdeb.webp)

[Start the test →](#test)[See a sample result (PDF)](https://www.engineeringleaders.io/academy/samples/ai-sdlc-proposal-sample.pdf)

No sign-up. Your proposal shows on this page.

What 10 out of 10 looks like

1.  A developer opens a Jira ticket and AI sharpens the specification with them.
2.  In one IDE, AI reads the live code from DEV, the Z tables and where-used.
3.  It writes the change, activates it, runs the syntax check, ATC and ABAP Unit, and fixes what failed.
4.  It assigns the change to a transport. A person reviews it and releases the transport; QAS and PRD follow your process.

Nothing is copied between windows. A person approves every step.

Step 1 of 8

raises your scorelimits it or needs checkingblocks part of the cycleno effect

## Which AI tools to use in my SAP teams?

The tool decides how AI gets into the IDE and to the MCP server.

Which AI tool will your ABAP developers use?

The AI assistant your developers will work with. Claude Code and GitHub Copilot both work as agents: they read files, run tools and change code, not only chat.

Why it matters and what your answer changes

Both reach the ABAP MCP server, by different routes. Copilot runs inside Eclipse; Claude Code runs in a terminal next to it and, on ADT 3.62 or newer, reads and writes through SAP’s server with no add-on. The install guide and the skill scenarios change with your choice. “Not decided yet” is scored as Claude.

Claude Code

Anthropic’s coding agent. It runs in a terminal or VS Code, reads a whole project, runs commands and edits files. Included in Claude Team and Enterprise.

GitHub Copilot

GitHub’s coding assistant. It has an official Eclipse plugin with ABAP support and can use Claude, GPT and other models.

Claude (Team or Enterprise)Uses your Claude licence; on ADT 3.62+ no add-ons for SAPGitHub Copilot (Business or Enterprise)Runs inside Eclipse ADT; separate GitHub licenceBothEither tool can drive the same MCP serverNot decided yetScored as Claude until you decide

Is Claude Code switched on for your developers?

Claude Code is the part of Claude that works on code: it reads a whole project, runs commands and edits files. The chat in the Claude app is a different thing.

Why it matters and what your answer changes

Yes: AI works as an agent on your code and can connect to an MCP server. No: only copy-paste into the chat is left, and the score stays at 2 or 3 whatever else you answer.

Claude Code

Anthropic’s coding agent. It runs in a terminal or VS Code, reads a whole project, runs commands and edits files. Included in Claude Team and Enterprise.

Source: [Claude plans](https://claude.com/pricing)

An admin turns it on in the Claude admin settings. Without it, only chat and copy-paste are left.

YesAI can work on code and use MCPNoOnly chat and copy-paste are leftNot sureAssumed yes; check with your admin

Is MCP allowed for Copilot in your GitHub organization?

MCP lets Copilot call outside tools, here SAP’s server. In a company GitHub account, an admin has to allow it. It is off by default.

Why it matters and what your answer changes

Yes: Copilot can read and change ABAP through SAP’s server and run checks. No: Copilot only sees the file open in the editor, with no live checks.

MCP (Model Context Protocol)

An open standard that lets an AI tool call tools in another system, such as “read this class” or “run the tests”. Without it, AI sees only what you paste.

Source: [Copilot for Eclipse](https://github.com/microsoft/copilot-for-eclipse)

It is off by default. An organization admin turns it on.

YesCopilot can use SAP’s MCP serverNoCopilot sees only the open fileNot sureAssumed yes; check with your GitHub admin

## Where you write ABAP

SAP's MCP server runs inside Eclipse with ADT 3.60 or newer, nowhere else. From ADT 3.62 it also reads and edits source for Claude Code.

Where do your ABAP developers write code every day?

The program where developers write ABAP. Eclipse with ADT (ABAP Development Tools) is SAP’s modern editor. SAP GUI with SE80 is the classic one. HANA Studio is an older Eclipse-based tool.

Why it matters and what your answer changes

Only Eclipse with ADT 3.60 or newer contains SAP’s MCP server, so this answer decides whether AI can work inside the IDE. From ADT 3.62 the server also reads and edits source for Claude Code; on 3.60 and 3.61 Claude Code needs the arc1 add-on to read and can’t write through it. With any other IDE you rely on files or a separate MCP server, and the score stops at 9 at best.

ADT (ABAP Development Tools)

SAP’s free plugin that turns Eclipse into the editor for ABAP. It is the modern way to develop on S/4HANA.

SAP GUI and SE80

SAP GUI is the classic desktop client for SAP. SE80 is its built-in development workbench, older than ADT.

SAP HANA Studio

An older Eclipse-based tool for HANA database work. SAP no longer develops it (SAP Note 2465027).

Source: [SAP tools site](https://tools.hana.ondemand.com/)

In Eclipse: Help → About → Installation Details, the ABAP Development Tools line. 3.62 matters because from it SAP’s MCP server reads and edits source for Claude Code too.

Eclipse with ADT 3.62 or newerSAP’s MCP server reads and writes for Claude CodeEclipse with ADT 3.60 or 3.61Claude Code reads only with arc1; update to 3.62 to writeEclipse with ADT older than 3.60Needs an ADT update for MCPSAP HANA StudioNo AI plugin, no MCP serverSAP GUI (SE80, SE38)Can’t host an MCP serverNot sureCheck Help → About in Eclipse

Can they move to a current Eclipse with ADT?

ADT is a free plugin from SAP that installs into a standard Eclipse. Moving means installing Eclipse and connecting it to the same SAP systems.

Why it matters and what your answer changes

Yes counts as if you had it already. No closes SAP’s own MCP route; only a central server or your own server is left.

ADT (ABAP Development Tools)

SAP’s free plugin that turns Eclipse into the editor for ABAP. It is the modern way to develop on S/4HANA.

Source: [Install ADT](https://tools.hana.ondemand.com/)

YesUnlocks SAP’s MCP serverYes, after IT approves itPossible, but waits on ITNoOnly a central or your own MCP server is left

## Your SAP system

SAP states support for its MCP server from release 7.31 SP04. 7.40 and 7.31 differ: the syntax check needs 7.40 SP02. Most community MCP servers need 7.50 and write only from 7.51. All of them need the ADT services switched on.

Which system do you develop on?

The version of the technical layer under your SAP system, called SAP\_BASIS (for example 7.40, 7.50 or 7.58), with its support package (SP). In SAP GUI, System → Status shows both.

Why it matters and what your answer changes

SAP states support for its MCP server from 7.31 SP04. The syntax check over ADT needs 7.40 SP02, classic CDS views 7.40 SP05, CDS view entities 7.55. Most community MCP servers need 7.50 and write only from 7.51, so on 7.40 SAP’s own server is the route for writes.

Release (SAP\_BASIS)

The version of SAP’s technical platform, for example 7.50 or 7.58. It decides which language features and tools work.

Source: [SAP: MCP server from 7.31](https://community.sap.com/t5/technology-blog-posts-by-sap/abap-ai-chapter-3-we-go-agentic/ba-p/14391469)

S/4HANAEvery MCP route worksECC on 7.50 or newerCommunity servers read but write only from 7.517.40SAP’s server writes (not yet publicly tested); syntax check needs SP027.31 or olderSAP’s server from 7.31 SP04; writes not scoredNot sureAssumed 7.51+; check System → Status

Can Eclipse connect to your SAP system (are the ADT services switched on)?

Eclipse ADT talks to SAP through a group of web services. Your Basis team switches them on in transaction SICF, under the path /sap/bc/adt. If anyone already uses Eclipse with ADT against your system, they are on.

Why it matters and what your answer changes

No: neither Eclipse ADT nor any MCP server can connect, and you are back to files, around 4 out of 10. Not sure: the score assumes yes and puts it on your “still to check” list.

SICF and /sap/bc/adt

SICF is the SAP transaction where web services are switched on and off. /sap/bc/adt is the group of services Eclipse ADT and every ADT-based MCP server use.

Basis

The SAP administration team: systems, users, settings and transport imports.

If anyone on the team already works in Eclipse with ADT, they are active.

YesEclipse and MCP can connectNoNothing can connect; files onlyNot sureAssumed on; ask your Basis team

How do changes reach production?

How a change travels to production. In SAP a transport carries changed objects from DEV (development) to QAS (test) to PRD (production).

Why it matters and what your answer changes

It doesn’t change the score. It shows where AI’s transport work stops and your release process takes over: AI prepares and assigns, people release and import.

Transport

A package of changed objects that moves a change from development to test to production. It is the only way code reaches production.

DEV, QAS, PRD

The development, quality (test) and production systems. Code is written only in DEV and travels forward by transport.

ChaRM

Change Request Management in SAP Solution Manager: transports tied to an approved change document, with its own approvals.

Transports through TMS (DEV → QAS → PRD)Doesn’t change the scoreChaRM in Solution ManagerDoesn’t change the scoreAnother wayDoesn’t change the score

## Local MCP server

This answer decides more than half of the score. SAP's server runs on the developer's laptop inside Eclipse, nothing is installed on SAP, and AI works under the developer's own SAP user. You can limit writes to chosen packages and connect DEV only.

Will you allow SAP's MCP server in Eclipse, against DEV only?

An MCP server lets AI use tools in your SAP system: read and edit code, run checks, put changes on transports. SAP ships one inside Eclipse. “Local” means it runs on each developer’s laptop, against DEV only.

Why it matters and what your answer changes

Read and write: AI runs the full loop, up to 10 out of 10. Read only: AI reads and checks while a person writes, around 7. No: files only, around 4, unless a central or your own server takes its place.

MCP (Model Context Protocol)

An open standard that lets an AI tool call tools in another system, such as “read this class” or “run the tests”. Without it, AI sees only what you paste.

ADT MCP server

SAP’s own MCP server, built into Eclipse ADT 3.60 and newer. From 3.62 it reads and edits source for CLI clients such as Claude Code, and writes only to the packages you allow. It runs on the developer’s laptop (localhost:2234) behind a token; SAP states support from release 7.31 SP04.

Source: [SAP Help: enable it](https://help.sap.com/docs/abap-ai/generative-ai-in-abap-cloud/enabling-adt-mcp-server-6f6e72852b9746ffbe083d5a818fbbec)

Yes, read and writeAI writes, activates, tests and assigns the transportYes, read and checks onlyAI reads and checks; a person writesWe need to discuss it with IT and securityScored as allowed until IT decidesNoFiles only, unless another route

## Other routes to MCP

If a local server with full write access is not possible, these two routes give most of the same benefits.

A central MCP server inside your network, behind the firewall and reached over VPN?

One MCP server that IT runs on a machine inside your network. Developers connect to it over VPN instead of each running one on their laptop.

Why it matters and what your answer changes

With read and write it brings back most of the score, up to 9: AI then runs outside the IDE, so the last point is missing. IT gets one place for rules and logs.

MCP (Model Context Protocol)

An open standard that lets an AI tool call tools in another system, such as “read this class” or “run the tests”. Without it, AI sees only what you paste.

Community MCP servers

Open-source MCP servers that talk to SAP’s ADT services directly, without Eclipse, for example vibing-steampunk or mcp-abap-adt. Some can read and write code; some can read table contents, which you should switch off.

IT runs one server, developers log in with their own SAP user.

Yes, read and write, DEV onlyMost of the score; AI runs outside the IDEYes, read and checks onlyAI reads and checks; a person writesWe need to discuss itScored as allowed until IT decidesNoOne route fewer

Would you build your own MCP server with only the tools you choose?

A small server your developers build that offers AI only the tools you allow, for example read code and run tests, and nothing else.

Why it matters and what your answer changes

Yes or maybe: scored as a working route, assuming you build it. It is the strictest option for security and costs a few days of work plus upkeep.

MCP (Model Context Protocol)

An open standard that lets an AI tool call tools in another system, such as “read this class” or “run the tests”. Without it, AI sees only what you paste.

Source: [MCP specification](https://modelcontextprotocol.io/)

YesA route you fully controlMaybe, we want to see an example firstScored as built; a few days of workNoDoesn’t change the score

## Open-source tools

From ADT 3.62, SAP’s server is enough for Claude Code to read and write ABAP. On 3.60 and 3.61 it needs the community add-on arc1 to read. abapGit gets code into files when MCP is not allowed.

Can developers use open-source community tools (abapGit, arc1, community MCP servers)?

Free tools built by SAP developers outside SAP: abapGit exports code to files, arc1 adds where-used to SAP’s MCP server (and source reading on ADT 3.60 and 3.61), and community MCP servers read and write ABAP.

Why it matters and what your answer changes

On ADT 3.62 or newer, Claude Code doesn’t need them for MCP; arc1 only adds where-used. On older ADT they are what lets Claude Code read code over MCP, and without them it stays on files. Copilot doesn’t need them.

abapGit

An open-source tool that exports ABAP objects to files and imports them back. It runs as one program inside SAP and works without internet in offline mode.

arc1

A community Eclipse plugin that adds read-only tools to SAP’s MCP server: where-used, package contents, the inactive-objects list, and source reading on ADT 3.60 and 3.61. Block its arc1\_sap\_http\_post tool, which can post to any ADT endpoint.

Community MCP servers

Open-source MCP servers that talk to SAP’s ADT services directly, without Eclipse, for example vibing-steampunk or mcp-abap-adt. Some can read and write code; some can read table contents, which you should switch off.

Yesarc1 for where-used; below ADT 3.62 Claude Code needs it to readYes, after a security reviewThe same, after your security checkNoFine on ADT 3.62+; older ADT keeps Claude Code on files

Can developers use abapGit on the development system (DEV) to copy code into files?

abapGit copies ABAP code out of SAP into normal files and can load files back in. It is one program installed in DEV.

Why it matters and what your answer changes

Export gives AI a whole package to read when there is no MCP. Import back saves the copy-paste into SAP. It is also the fallback when MCP is down.

abapGit

An open-source tool that exports ABAP objects to files and imports them back. It runs as one program inside SAP and works without internet in offline mode.

Source: [abapGit install](https://docs.abapgit.org/user-guide/getting-started/install.html)

abapGit installs as one program in a local package ($ABAPGIT) and needs no internet access.

Export to files and import back into DEVCode into files and back, no copy-pasteExport to files onlyAI reads whole packagesNoNo fallback when MCP is downNot sureAsk your Basis team

## Jira and code quality

The Jira ticket starts the cycle. ATC and ABAP Unit are the feedback AI learns from.

How will AI get to your Jira tickets?

A read-only API token lets AI read Jira tickets directly but not change them. An export is a file someone downloads from Jira.

Why it matters and what your answer changes

Token: AI reads the ticket and starts the specification without copy-paste. Export: it works, but the file goes stale.

Read-only Jira token

A personal access token with read rights only. AI can read tickets with it but can’t change them.

Source: [Jira MCP server](https://github.com/sooperset/mcp-atlassian)

Through a read-only API tokenAI reads tickets directlyOnly through an exportWorks, but the file goes staleIt won’tSpecifications start from copy-paste

Do you use ATC (ABAP Test Cockpit)?

ATC (ABAP Test Cockpit) is SAP’s built-in code checker. It finds errors, performance problems and broken rules before code moves on.

Why it matters and what your answer changes

AI fixes its own code from ATC findings. Without ATC that feedback is missing and code review relies on AI alone.

ATC (ABAP Test Cockpit)

SAP’s built-in quality gate that runs static code checks, often before a transport is released.

YesAI fixes code from ATC findingsNoOne feedback loop is missingNot sureAsk your SAP lead

Do you write ABAP Unit tests?

ABAP Unit is SAP’s built-in framework for automated tests, the same idea as JUnit in Java.

Why it matters and what your answer changes

Tests are how AI checks it didn’t break anything. With none, the first job is writing tests around old code, and refactoring stays risky.

ABAP Unit

SAP’s built-in unit test framework. Test classes live next to the code they test.

UsuallyAI can prove it broke nothingSometimesA partial safety netHardly everNo safety net for changes

## Data and laptops

Data rules decide what AI may read. Laptops decide how the tools get installed.

What may go to AI?

What your rules let AI see. Code and DDIC (definitions of tables and structures) describe how the system works. Table contents are your business data.

Why it matters and what your answer changes

Code and DDIC are enough for every scenario. Dumps help with bug fixing. Table contents add risk and little value, so the result tells you to block them.

DDIC (ABAP Dictionary)

The definitions of tables, structures and data types in SAP. Structure, not data.

Z objects

Your company’s own code. Names start with Z or Y, everything else is SAP standard.

Short dump (ST22)

SAP’s crash report: the failing line, the call stack and variable values. Transaction ST22 lists them.

Source code (Z objects)Needed for every scenarioDDIC structuresAI knows your table structuresDumps and logs without personal dataHelps find the cause of bugsTable data samplesReal data: extra risk, little gain

What do developers work on?

The operating system on developers’ machines. WSL is Linux running inside Windows.

Why it matters and what your answer changes

It decides the install commands. From WSL, Claude Code can’t reach the MCP server in Eclipse on localhost, so the guide says run it natively on Windows.

WSL

Windows Subsystem for Linux: Linux running inside Windows. Its own network makes localhost on Windows hard to reach.

WindowsWorks nativelyWindows with WSLCan’t reach Eclipse on localhostMacWorks nativelyLinuxWorks natively

Who installs software?

Whether developers can install tools themselves or IT does it for them.

Why it matters and what your answer changes

With IT, the install guide becomes their checklist. Approvals take time, so start early.

Developers themselvesFastest setupITSlower; start approvals early

BackNext

## Email me my results

Your AI SDLC proposal in one email with two PDFs: the full proposal (score, what to change first, the install guide with commands, all 10 skill scenarios) and a workshop offer built from your answers. Forward them to your team or IT. Marian Kamenistak gets a copy and replies if you write back.

Work email

Email me my results →

Sent. Check your inbox in a minute; it comes from ELC Academy.

Or email [academy@engineeringleaders.io](mailto:academy@engineeringleaders.io?subject=AI%20in%20SAP%20ABAP). We reply within 1 working day.

Faster adoption

### A workshop for your SAP teams

In one day on your own code and backlog, your team sets up the tools from this proposal and finishes one real ticket with AI. Up to 12 people for 2,400 EUR, or the whole IT team of up to 50 for 3,900 EUR, excluding VAT.

[See the SAP AI workshop →](https://www.engineeringleaders.io/academy/ai-for-sap-teams)

Change my answers

## Ten AI skills across the SAP development lifecycle

An AI SDLC for SAP has one skill per stage of a change, from the Jira ticket to the transport. How much each skill does on its own depends on your score; the result spells out every skill step by step for your setup. All ten are free and open source as a Claude Code plugin and GitHub Copilot prompt files: [github.com/marian-kamenistak/sap-ai-skills](https://github.com/marian-kamenistak/sap-ai-skills).

1.  1Specify`spec-grill`Jira ticket to a specification scored 8/10+
2.  2Understand`reverse-engineer`How the existing code works
3.  3Build`implement`Code, activation, checks
4.  4Test`test-case`ABAP Unit and QAS scenarios
5.  5Review`code-review`ATC plus Clean ABAP and risks
6.  6Improve`refactor`Cleaner code, same behaviour
7.  7Modernize`cds-rewrite`Data logic moved into CDS views
8.  8Document`documentation`Docs for Confluence or Jira
9.  9Release`transport-release`Transport, QAS and PRD checklist
10.  10Run and fix`bugfix`Dump to cause to fix, back to Specify

1 to 10: one change from Jira ticket to production. A bug found in production starts the cycle again at 1. A person approves every step.

Toolsets · checked 10 Nov 2026

## 8 AI toolsets for SAP teams

Your release, your IDE and your security rules decide which setup fits. Each drawing shows how the tools connect, from the developer to the DEV system. The first one gives AI the most of the cycle; the last one works when MCP is not allowed yet.

Not sure which one is yours? [The test](#test) picks it from your answers.

1.  ### The full stack
    
    Most of the cycle
    
    [![Hand-drawn flow of the full AI SDLC stack for SAP: a Jira ticket goes to Claude Code, then to the SAP MCP server and SAP DEV, then ATC and ABAP Unit checks, and a person releases the transport.](https://www.engineeringleaders.io/academy/_astro/full-stack.BDfhdtnx_Z2nzmYQ.webp)](https://www.engineeringleaders.io/academy/_astro/full-stack.BDfhdtnx.webp)
    
    Step by step
    
    1.  **Jira ticket**mcp-atlassian, read only
        
        MCP
        
    2.  **Claude Code + 10 SAP AI skills**in the Eclipse terminal
        
        MCP, localhost
        
    3.  **SAP ADT MCP server + arc1**ADT 3.62+, arc1 adds where-used
        
        ADT
        
    4.  **SAP DEV**AI writes only to one Z package
        
        runs
        
    5.  **ATC + ABAP Unit**AI fixes the code from the results
        
        hands over
        
    6.  **A person releases the transport**QAS and PRD follow your process
        
    
    Release 7.31 SP04 or newer. On 7.40, test one write on DEV first.
    
    Reads: yesWrites: yes
    
    Fits when you want AI from the Jira ticket to the transport, with a person approving each step.
    
2.  ### Claude Code or Codex in Eclipse
    
    [![Hand-drawn flow: a developer works with Claude Code or Codex inside Eclipse ADT, which talks to SAP's MCP server (ADT 3.62 or newer) and through it to SAP DEV.](https://www.engineeringleaders.io/academy/_astro/eclipse-terminal.C3LKQFc5_ZsjjHN.webp)](https://www.engineeringleaders.io/academy/_astro/eclipse-terminal.C3LKQFc5.webp)
    
    Step by step
    
    1.  **Developer**
        
        prompt
        
    2.  **Claude Code or Codex**in the Eclipse terminal
        
        MCP, localhost
        
    3.  **SAP ADT MCP server**ADT 3.62+, Edit File tool on
        
        ADT
        
    4.  **SAP DEV**AI writes only to one Z package
        
    
    Release 7.31 SP04 or newer, 7.40 included
    
    Reads: yesWrites: yes
    
    Codex connects to the same server: url and token in config.toml.
    
    Fits when you run an older release like 7.40, where community servers can’t write.
    
3.  ### GitHub Copilot inside Eclipse
    
    [![Hand-drawn flow: a developer chats with GitHub Copilot inside Eclipse ADT, Copilot calls SAP's MCP server in the same window, and the server reaches SAP DEV.](https://www.engineeringleaders.io/academy/_astro/copilot-eclipse.1SEHkUJa_Zucq06.webp)](https://www.engineeringleaders.io/academy/_astro/copilot-eclipse.1SEHkUJa.webp)
    
    Step by step
    
    1.  **Developer**
        
        chat
        
    2.  **GitHub Copilot, agent mode**inside Eclipse ADT
        
        MCP
        
    3.  **SAP ADT MCP server**MCP allowed by a GitHub org admin
        
        ADT
        
    4.  **SAP DEV**AI writes only to one Z package
        
    
    Release 7.31 SP04 or newer
    
    Reads: yesWrites: partly
    
    agent edits on ABAP files still have open bugs
    
    Fits when your company already pays for Copilot and wants one window, no terminal.
    
4.  ### Community MCP server, no Eclipse
    
    [![Hand-drawn flow: a developer uses Claude Code or Codex in VS Code, which talks to a community MCP server and on to SAP DEV, with writes from release 7.51.](https://www.engineeringleaders.io/academy/_astro/community-751.CwHJwi5E_ZIMsxI.webp)](https://www.engineeringleaders.io/academy/_astro/community-751.CwHJwi5E.webp)
    
    Step by step
    
    1.  **Developer**
        
        prompt
        
    2.  **Claude Code or Codex**in a terminal or VS Code
        
        MCP
        
    3.  **Community MCP server on the laptop**vibing-steampunk or mcp-abap-adt
        
        HTTPS, /sap/bc/adt
        
    4.  **SAP DEV**the developer's own SAP user
        
    
    Release 7.51 or newer to write, 7.50 reads
    
    Reads: yesWrites: yes
    
    Fits when you are on S/4HANA and your developers prefer VS Code to Eclipse.
    
5.  ### Central MCP server, run by IT
    
    [![Hand-drawn flow: three developer laptops connect over VPN with a token to one central MCP server, which keeps an IT log and reaches SAP DEV.](https://www.engineeringleaders.io/academy/_astro/central.CJFYpvFG_1BxXUg.webp)](https://www.engineeringleaders.io/academy/_astro/central.CJFYpvFG.webp)
    
    Step by step
    
    1.  **Claude Code, Codex or Copilot**on each developer laptop
        
        VPN, personal token
        
    2.  **One MCP server in your network**IT chooses the tools and keeps the log
        
        ADT
        
    3.  **SAP DEV**writes only where IT allows
        
    
    Release 7.51 or newer to write with a community server
    
    Reads: yesWrites: yes
    
    Fits when security wants one place to control and log what AI can do in SAP.
    
6.  ### Your own small MCP server
    
    [![Hand-drawn flow: a developer works with Claude Code, which calls your own MCP server with approved tools only, and the server reaches SAP DEV.](https://www.engineeringleaders.io/academy/_astro/own-server.DInziyg8_ZSoInJ.webp)](https://www.engineeringleaders.io/academy/_astro/own-server.DInziyg8.webp)
    
    Step by step
    
    1.  **Developer**
        
        prompt
        
    2.  **Claude Code**
        
        MCP
        
    3.  **Your MCP server**only the tools you approve
        
        ADT
        
    4.  **SAP DEV**AI writes only to one Z package
        
    
    Release Same as community servers: reads from 7.50, writes from 7.51
    
    Reads: yesWrites: yes
    
    Fits when you want full control of the tools and can spend a few days building it.
    
7.  ### SAP's own: Joule for Developers
    
    [![Hand-drawn flow: a developer uses Joule for Developers inside Eclipse ADT, paid in SAP AI Units, connected to the SAP system.](https://www.engineeringleaders.io/academy/_astro/joule.Dboapc1b_ZBzvpf.webp)](https://www.engineeringleaders.io/academy/_astro/joule.Dboapc1b.webp)
    
    Step by step
    
    1.  **Developer**
        
        asks
        
    2.  **Joule for Developers**inside ADT: completion, explanation, unit tests
        
        paid in SAP AI Units
        
    3.  **SAP system**SAP supports the MCP tools with this licence
        
    
    Release ABAP Cloud: S/4HANA and BTP ABAP, not NetWeaver 7.x
    
    Reads: yesWrites: partly
    
    suggests code, the developer accepts it
    
    Fits when you build on ABAP Cloud and want support from SAP.
    
8.  ### No MCP yet: abapGit files
    
    Start here
    
    [![Hand-drawn loop without MCP: code goes from SAP DEV by abapGit export into Git files, then to Claude, Codex or Copilot, and a person pastes it back into SAP DEV.](https://www.engineeringleaders.io/academy/_astro/no-mcp.tODpEyy6_Z29IuzI.webp)](https://www.engineeringleaders.io/academy/_astro/no-mcp.tODpEyy6.webp)
    
    Step by step
    
    1.  **SAP DEV**
        
        abapGit export
        
    2.  **Files in a Git repository**
        
        reads files
        
    3.  **Claude Code, Codex or Copilot**in VS Code
        
        a person pastes it back
        
    4.  **SAP DEV**a person runs ATC and the tests
        
    
    Release Any release abapGit runs on (7.02+)
    
    Reads: partlyWrites: no
    
    AI sees only the exported package
    
    Fits when security says no to MCP for now. Start here and show the results.
    

Tool list · checked 10 Nov 2026

## Tools for an AI SDLC in SAP

What SAP teams use to run each step of the SDLC with AI, from the Jira ticket to production. Every link was checked on 10 November 2026.

| Logo | Tool | Type | What it does and where it helps | Link |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Official SAP tools 13 |
| ![ABAP Development Tools (ADT) for Eclipse logo](https://www.engineeringleaders.io/academy/_astro/sap.15GLr7Uf_Zf9fxc.svg) | [ABAP Development Tools (ADT) for Eclipse](https://tools.hana.ondemand.com/#abap) | Official | 
SAP's Eclipse IDE for ABAP, where developers write, debug and transport code. It also runs SAP's MCP server.

SDLC step: Development

 | [tools.hana.ondemand.com](https://tools.hana.ondemand.com/#abap) |
| ![ADT for VS Code logo](https://www.engineeringleaders.io/academy/_astro/sap.15GLr7Uf_Zf9fxc.svg) | [ADT for VS Code](https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=SAPSE.adt-vscode) | Official | 

SAP's free ABAP extension for VS Code with the MCP server built in. It covers fewer object types than Eclipse so far.

SDLC step: Development

 | [marketplace.visualstudio.com](https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=SAPSE.adt-vscode) |
| ![SAP ADT MCP server logo](https://www.engineeringleaders.io/academy/_astro/sap.15GLr7Uf_Zf9fxc.svg) | [SAP ADT MCP server](https://help.sap.com/docs/abap-ai/generative-ai-in-abap-cloud/enabling-adt-mcp-server-6f6e72852b9746ffbe083d5a818fbbec) | Official | 

Lets an AI agent search, read, edit, test and transport ABAP through ADT, and read short dumps. From ADT 3.62 it reads and edits source for Claude Code too, and writes only to packages on its allow-list. SAP states support from release 7.31 SP04, ECC included.

SDLC step: DevelopmentTestingDeploymentProduction

 | [help.sap.com](https://help.sap.com/docs/abap-ai/generative-ai-in-abap-cloud/enabling-adt-mcp-server-6f6e72852b9746ffbe083d5a818fbbec) |
| ![Joule for Developers, ABAP AI logo](https://www.engineeringleaders.io/academy/_astro/sap.15GLr7Uf_Zf9fxc.svg) | [Joule for Developers, ABAP AI](https://help.sap.com/docs/abap-ai/generative-ai-in-abap-cloud/joule-for-developers-abap-ai-capabilities) | Official | 

SAP's AI assistant inside ADT: code completion, code explanation and ABAP Unit test generation. Paid in SAP AI Units.

SDLC step: DevelopmentTesting

 | [help.sap.com](https://help.sap.com/docs/abap-ai/generative-ai-in-abap-cloud/joule-for-developers-abap-ai-capabilities) |
| ![SAP-ABAP-1 (generative AI hub) logo](https://www.engineeringleaders.io/academy/_astro/sap.15GLr7Uf_Zf9fxc.svg) | [SAP-ABAP-1 (generative AI hub)](https://help.sap.com/docs/sap-ai-core/generative-ai/sap-abap-1) | Official | 

SAP's own ABAP model in the generative AI hub, tuned mainly to explain existing ABAP code.

SDLC step: Evaluation

 | [help.sap.com](https://help.sap.com/docs/sap-ai-core/generative-ai/sap-abap-1) |
| ![gCTS (Git-enabled CTS) logo](https://www.engineeringleaders.io/academy/_astro/sap.15GLr7Uf_Zf9fxc.svg) | [gCTS (Git-enabled CTS)](https://help.sap.com/docs/ABAP_PLATFORM_NEW/4a368c163b08418890a406d413933ba7/f319b168e87e42149e25e13c08d002b9.html) | Official | 

Keeps ABAP changes in Git and moves them between systems, so each AI-made change has a history you can review.

SDLC step: Deployment

 | [help.sap.com](https://help.sap.com/docs/ABAP_PLATFORM_NEW/4a368c163b08418890a406d413933ba7/f319b168e87e42149e25e13c08d002b9.html) |
| ![ABAP Test Cockpit (ATC) logo](https://www.engineeringleaders.io/academy/_astro/sap.15GLr7Uf_Zf9fxc.svg) | [ABAP Test Cockpit (ATC)](https://help.sap.com/docs/ABAP_PLATFORM_NEW/ba879a6e2ea04d9bb94c7ccd7cdac446/62c41ad841554516bb06fb3620540e47.html) | Official | 

SAP's built-in quality checks for ABAP. Run them on AI-written code before the transport is released.

SDLC step: TestingDeployment

 | [help.sap.com](https://help.sap.com/docs/ABAP_PLATFORM_NEW/ba879a6e2ea04d9bb94c7ccd7cdac446/62c41ad841554516bb06fb3620540e47.html) |
| ![ABAP Unit logo](https://www.engineeringleaders.io/academy/_astro/sap.15GLr7Uf_Zf9fxc.svg) | [ABAP Unit](https://help.sap.com/docs/ABAP_PLATFORM_NEW/c238d694b825421f940829321ffa326a/4ec18be06e391014adc9fffe4e204223.html) | Official | 

The unit test framework built into ABAP. The AI writes the tests, ABAP Unit shows whether the code does what the ticket asked.

SDLC step: Testing

 | [help.sap.com](https://help.sap.com/docs/ABAP_PLATFORM_NEW/c238d694b825421f940829321ffa326a/4ec18be06e391014adc9fffe4e204223.html) |
| ![ABAP Cleaner logo](https://www.engineeringleaders.io/academy/_astro/sap.15GLr7Uf_Zf9fxc.svg) | [ABAP Cleaner](https://github.com/SAP/abap-cleaner) | Open source (SAP) | 

Applies 100+ cleanup rules with one keystroke in Eclipse or VS Code. Tidies AI-written code before review.

SDLC step: Development

 | [github.com/SAP/abap-cleaner](https://github.com/SAP/abap-cleaner) |
| ![Clean ABAP style guide logo](https://www.engineeringleaders.io/academy/_astro/sap.15GLr7Uf_Zf9fxc.svg) | [Clean ABAP style guide](https://github.com/SAP/styleguides/blob/main/clean-abap/CleanABAP.md) | Open source (SAP) | 

SAP's style guide for ABAP. Turn it into the rules file your AI agent reads before it writes code.

SDLC step: Development

 | [github.com/SAP/styleguides](https://github.com/SAP/styleguides/blob/main/clean-abap/CleanABAP.md) |
| ![CAP MCP server logo](https://www.engineeringleaders.io/academy/_astro/gh-cap-js.CC-1vqIC_25gTPo.webp) | [CAP MCP server](https://github.com/cap-js/mcp-server) | Open source (SAP) | 

Lets an AI agent search your CAP model and the CAP documentation while it builds the service.

SDLC step: Development

 | [github.com/cap-js/mcp-server](https://github.com/cap-js/mcp-server) |
| ![UI5 MCP server logo](https://www.engineeringleaders.io/academy/_astro/gh-ui5.C315Fn_r_2vYKb2.webp) | [UI5 MCP server](https://github.com/UI5/mcp-server) | Open source (SAP) | 

Gives an AI agent the UI5 API reference, UI5 guidelines and manifest checks when it builds a UI5 app.

SDLC step: Development

 | [github.com/UI5/mcp-server](https://github.com/UI5/mcp-server) |
| ![Fiori MCP server logo](https://www.engineeringleaders.io/academy/_astro/sap.15GLr7Uf_Zf9fxc.svg) | [Fiori MCP server](https://github.com/SAP/open-ux-tools/tree/main/packages/fiori-mcp-server) | Open source (SAP) | 

Helps an AI agent create and change SAP Fiori elements apps from a prompt.

SDLC step: Development

 | [github.com/SAP/open-ux-tools](https://github.com/SAP/open-ux-tools/tree/main/packages/fiori-mcp-server) |
| AI coding assistants 4 |
| ![Claude Code logo](https://www.engineeringleaders.io/academy/_astro/gh-anthropics.rHb5J0cK_xrxP0.webp) | [Claude Code](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/overview) | Commercial | 

Anthropic's AI coding agent for the terminal and VS Code. For ABAP it connects to SAP's MCP server or a community one.

SDLC step: EvaluationDevelopmentTesting

 | [code.claude.com](https://code.claude.com/docs/en/overview) |
| ![GitHub Copilot for Eclipse logo](https://www.engineeringleaders.io/academy/_astro/copilot.ibRTUtSU_Zf9fxc.svg) | [GitHub Copilot for Eclipse](https://marketplace.eclipse.org/content/github-copilot) | Commercial | 

Copilot inside Eclipse ADT: ABAP completion, chat, and agent mode with MCP. Agent edits on ABAP files still have open bugs.

SDLC step: Development

 | [marketplace.eclipse.org](https://marketplace.eclipse.org/content/github-copilot) |
| ![Claude Code for Eclipse (unofficial) logo](https://www.engineeringleaders.io/academy/_astro/gh-eilonwy06.PiodKeWZ_7t5ni.webp) | [Claude Code for Eclipse (unofficial)](https://github.com/eilonwy06/claudecode-eclipse-ide) | Community | 

Unofficial plugin that brings Claude Code into Eclipse. It does not see open ADT editors yet.

SDLC step: Development

 | [github.com/eilonwy06/claudecode-eclipse-ide](https://github.com/eilonwy06/claudecode-eclipse-ide) |
| ![Nova Intelligence logo](https://www.engineeringleaders.io/academy/_astro/nova-intelligence.V0MBoyLi_ZySdLK.webp) | [Nova Intelligence](https://www.novaintelligence.com/) | Commercial | 

An agentic platform for SAP. It reads the custom code, processes and integrations, keeps the documentation current, and writes and tests code changes in the system.

SDLC step: EvaluationDevelopmentTesting

 | [novaintelligence.com](https://www.novaintelligence.com/) |
| MCP servers and plugins 12 |
| ![arc1 ADT MCP extension logo](https://www.engineeringleaders.io/academy/_astro/gh-arc-mcp.BMBIgrWH_ZSkF26.webp) | [arc1 ADT MCP extension](https://github.com/arc-mcp/arc1-adt-abap-mcp-ext) | Community | 

Adds read-only tools to SAP's ADT MCP server in Eclipse: where-used, package contents, the inactive-objects list, and source reading on ADT 3.60 and 3.61. Block its arc1\_sap\_http\_post tool, which can post to any ADT endpoint.

SDLC step: EvaluationDevelopment

 | [github.com/arc-mcp/arc1-adt-abap-mcp-ext](https://github.com/arc-mcp/arc1-adt-abap-mcp-ext) |
| ![vibing-steampunk logo](https://www.engineeringleaders.io/academy/_astro/gh-oisee.9fjGILPy_ZUClwa.webp) | [vibing-steampunk](https://github.com/oisee/vibing-steampunk) | Community | 

Bridges ADT to MCP: read code, debug, run tests and read dumps. Writes need 7.51 or newer, or a small extension installed on the SAP side.

SDLC step: DevelopmentTestingProduction

 | [github.com/oisee/vibing-steampunk](https://github.com/oisee/vibing-steampunk) |
| ![mcp-abap-adt (mario-andreschak) logo](https://www.engineeringleaders.io/academy/_astro/gh-mario-andreschak.DCugLyhF_Zt6FO7.webp) | [mcp-abap-adt (mario-andreschak)](https://github.com/mario-andreschak/mcp-abap-adt) | Community | 

Sixteen read-only tools for ABAP code, DDIC and table contents. A low-risk first step, though table reads send business data to the model.

SDLC step: Evaluation

 | [github.com/mario-andreschak/mcp-abap-adt](https://github.com/mario-andreschak/mcp-abap-adt) |
| ![mcp-abap-abap-adt-api logo](https://www.engineeringleaders.io/academy/_astro/gh-mario-andreschak.DCugLyhF_Zt6FO7.webp) | [mcp-abap-abap-adt-api](https://github.com/mario-andreschak/mcp-abap-abap-adt-api) | Community | 

Over 120 ADT tools in one server: edit, activate, transport, debug and refactor ABAP from an AI agent.

SDLC step: DevelopmentDeployment

 | [github.com/mario-andreschak/mcp-abap-abap-adt-api](https://github.com/mario-andreschak/mcp-abap-abap-adt-api) |
| ![mcp-abap-adt (fr0ster) logo](https://www.engineeringleaders.io/academy/_astro/gh-fr0ster.BLNJlvv2_Z8sKbf.webp) | [mcp-abap-adt (fr0ster)](https://github.com/fr0ster/mcp-abap-adt) | Community | 

Create, read, change and delete ABAP objects on ECC, S/4HANA and BTP ABAP Cloud. Needs BASIS 7.50 or newer.

SDLC step: Development

 | [github.com/fr0ster/mcp-abap-adt](https://github.com/fr0ster/mcp-abap-adt) |
| ![abap-adt-mcp (williansaez) logo](https://www.engineeringleaders.io/academy/_astro/gh-williansaez.DveXRHW-_aXPia.webp) | [abap-adt-mcp (williansaez)](https://github.com/williansaez/abap-adt-mcp) | Community | 

Read and write source, run unit tests and ATC, manage transports and read dumps, with guard rails set per system on the server.

SDLC step: DevelopmentTestingProduction

 | [github.com/williansaez/abap-adt-mcp](https://github.com/williansaez/abap-adt-mcp) |
| ![ABAP FS (vscode\_abap\_remote\_fs) logo](https://www.engineeringleaders.io/academy/_astro/gh-marcellourbani.fKB91USd_ZwR6zD.webp) | [ABAP FS (vscode\_abap\_remote\_fs)](https://github.com/marcellourbani/vscode_abap_remote_fs) | Community | 

VS Code extension that opens an ABAP system as files. It has AI tools for Copilot and an MCP server for Claude Code and other agents.

SDLC step: DevelopmentTesting

 | [github.com/marcellourbani/vscode\_abap\_remote\_fs](https://github.com/marcellourbani/vscode_abap_remote_fs) |
| ![mcp-sap-docs logo](https://www.engineeringleaders.io/academy/_astro/gh-marianfoo.CSJzuHdA_LF85z.webp) | [mcp-sap-docs](https://github.com/marianfoo/mcp-sap-docs) | Community | 

Gives an AI agent search over SAP Help and the ABAP keyword documentation, so its answers rest on the docs.

SDLC step: EvaluationDevelopment

 | [github.com/marianfoo/mcp-sap-docs](https://github.com/marianfoo/mcp-sap-docs) |
| ![SAP AI MCP servers (index) logo](https://www.engineeringleaders.io/academy/_astro/gh-marianfoo.CSJzuHdA_LF85z.webp) | [SAP AI MCP servers (index)](https://github.com/marianfoo/sap-ai-mcp-servers) | Community | 

A list of SAP MCP servers and SAP AI skills, kept up to date by the community. Start here to find more.

SDLC step: Evaluation

 | [github.com/marianfoo/sap-ai-mcp-servers](https://github.com/marianfoo/sap-ai-mcp-servers) |
| ![bw-modeling-mcp logo](https://www.engineeringleaders.io/academy/_astro/gh-dnic-dev.T3jNBT0D_Z27o2vd.webp) | [bw-modeling-mcp](https://github.com/dnic-dev/bw-modeling-mcp) | Community | 

Lets an AI agent read, create and change BW/4HANA objects such as aDSOs, transformations and DTPs. On BW 7.5 on HANA it reads transformations and DTPs only.

SDLC step: Development

 | [github.com/dnic-dev/bw-modeling-mcp](https://github.com/dnic-dev/bw-modeling-mcp) |
| ![mcp-sap-gui logo](https://www.engineeringleaders.io/academy/_astro/gh-kts982.DaxrXPeC_ZwtFw2.webp) | [mcp-sap-gui](https://github.com/kts982/mcp-sap-gui) | Community | 

Lets an AI agent work in SAP GUI for Windows: read screens, fill in fields and run transactions. Saves wait for your approval.

SDLC step: TestingProduction

 | [github.com/kts982/mcp-sap-gui](https://github.com/kts982/mcp-sap-gui) |
| ![hana-cli MCP server logo](https://www.engineeringleaders.io/academy/_astro/gh-sap-samples.D3QZq7wI_Z1B9Nz9.webp) | [hana-cli MCP server](https://sap-samples.github.io/hana-developer-cli-tool-example/03-features/mcp/server-usage) | Open source (SAP) | 

SAP sample command line tool for HANA with an MCP server, so an agent can list tables and views and run queries.

SDLC step: Development

 | [sap-samples.github.io/hana-developer-cli-tool-example](https://sap-samples.github.io/hana-developer-cli-tool-example/03-features/mcp/server-usage) |
| Quality and code in files 6 |
| ![abapGit logo](https://www.engineeringleaders.io/academy/_astro/gh-abapgit.Djm0M1sG_1LqqBs.webp) | [abapGit](https://github.com/abapGit/abapGit) | Community | 

Exports ABAP to Git as plain files, so an AI agent can read whole packages and you get a diff to review.

SDLC step: DevelopmentDeployment

 | [github.com/abapGit/abapGit](https://github.com/abapGit/abapGit) |
| ![abaplint logo](https://www.engineeringleaders.io/academy/_astro/gh-abaplint.11Mb9hNL_ZRmkSk.webp) | [abaplint](https://github.com/abaplint/abaplint) | Community | 

Static checks for ABAP in files that run in CI. A fast, repeatable gate on AI-written code.

SDLC step: Testing

 | [github.com/abaplint/abaplint](https://github.com/abaplint/abaplint) |
| ![SAP Enterprise Continuous Testing by Tricentis logo](https://www.engineeringleaders.io/academy/_astro/tricentis.KwNzQVxn_1RYTu7.webp) | [SAP Enterprise Continuous Testing by Tricentis](https://www.tricentis.com/sap/test-automation) | Commercial | 

Codeless, model-based test automation for SAP and the apps around it. It generates test cases from a plain-language description, paid in SAP AI Units, and updates the tests when SAP changes.

SDLC step: Testing

 | [tricentis.com/sap/test-automation](https://www.tricentis.com/sap/test-automation) |
| ![Panaya logo](https://www.engineeringleaders.io/academy/_astro/panaya.DW9_58dD_Z1fre2b.webp) | [Panaya](https://www.panaya.com/sap/) | Commercial | 

Shows what a change affects in custom code, transports and business processes. An agent fixes ABAP custom code with a person in the loop, and every fix is tested before go-live.

SDLC step: DevelopmentTestingDeployment

 | [panaya.com/sap](https://www.panaya.com/sap/) |
| ![Worksoft logo](https://www.engineeringleaders.io/academy/_astro/worksoft.DLISc9Wg_IyFOC.webp) | [Worksoft](https://www.worksoft.com/applications/sap/) | Commercial | 

Codeless automation that tests SAP business processes end to end, in SAP GUI, Fiori and the systems around them. Worksoft Impact uses SAP change and usage data to pick the tests a change needs.

SDLC step: TestingDeployment

 | [worksoft.com/applications/sap](https://www.worksoft.com/applications/sap/) |
| ![Int4 Suite logo](https://www.engineeringleaders.io/academy/_astro/int4.BGTvrF_j_ApIci.webp) | [Int4 Suite](https://int4.com/products/suite/) | Commercial | 

Test agents for SAP Integration Suite. You describe a test in plain language, and the agent runs it with real messages captured from production.

SDLC step: Testing

 | [int4.com/products/suite](https://int4.com/products/suite/) |
| Backlog and specs 4 |
| ![mcp-atlassian logo](https://www.engineeringleaders.io/academy/_astro/gh-sooperset.C4g3XxLx_Z7TNoe.webp) | [mcp-atlassian](https://github.com/sooperset/mcp-atlassian) | Community | 

Connects an AI agent to Jira and Confluence, Cloud or Server/Data Center, so it reads the ticket and the spec.

SDLC step: Evaluation

 | [github.com/sooperset/mcp-atlassian](https://github.com/sooperset/mcp-atlassian) |
| ![calmcp logo](https://www.engineeringleaders.io/academy/_astro/gh-consetto.Ch4DqPv-_Zuag7d.webp) | [calmcp](https://github.com/consetto/calmcp) | Community | 

Connects an AI agent to SAP Cloud ALM: requirements, user stories, defects, test cases and analytics. It only reads until you switch writing on.

SDLC step: EvaluationTesting

 | [github.com/consetto/calmcp](https://github.com/consetto/calmcp) |
| ![Atlassian Rovo MCP server logo](https://www.engineeringleaders.io/academy/_astro/gh-atlassian.CBwKDqF7_Z9uEcA.webp) | [Atlassian Rovo MCP server](https://www.atlassian.com/platform/rovo-mcp) | Commercial | 

Atlassian's hosted MCP server for Jira and Confluence Cloud. The agent reads tickets and writes specs and pages.

SDLC step: Evaluation

 | [atlassian.com/platform/rovo-mcp](https://www.atlassian.com/platform/rovo-mcp) |
| ![Azure DevOps MCP server logo](https://www.engineeringleaders.io/academy/_astro/gh-microsoft.D2C0j0_I_Z2hXovw.webp) | [Azure DevOps MCP server](https://github.com/microsoft/azure-devops-mcp) | Commercial | 

Microsoft's MCP server for Azure DevOps: work items, wiki, test plans, repos and pipelines.

SDLC step: EvaluationTestingDeployment

 | [github.com/microsoft/azure-devops-mcp](https://github.com/microsoft/azure-devops-mcp) |
| Skills 1 |
| ![SAP AI skills logo](https://www.engineeringleaders.io/academy/_astro/gh-marian-kamenistak.5pmbKmKj_NVJv.webp) | [SAP AI skills](https://github.com/marian-kamenistak/sap-ai-skills) | Community | 

10 skills that take an ABAP change from a Jira ticket to a released transport, for Claude Code and GitHub Copilot. People approve the spec, the diff and the transport.

SDLC step: EvaluationDevelopmentTestingDeployment

 | [github.com/marian-kamenistak/sap-ai-skills](https://github.com/marian-kamenistak/sap-ai-skills) |

SAP AI workshop

## Set it up with your team in one day

The [AI for SAP teams workshop](https://www.engineeringleaders.io/academy/ai-for-sap-teams) runs on your own code and backlog: up to 12 people for 2,400 EUR, or the whole IT team of up to 50 for 3,900 EUR, excluding VAT. It starts from files and moves to the ABAP MCP server where your IT approves it. The case behind it is [an 18-person SAP team that cut median implementation time from 19 days to about 5.5](https://www.marian.coach/blog/spec-driven-development-sap/).

[See the SAP AI workshop →](https://www.engineeringleaders.io/academy/ai-for-sap-teams)[Open the workshop slides](https://www.engineeringleaders.io/sap-ai-adoption-slides/)

The sample deck of a workshop day, 73 slides: install guide, four group guides with the exact prompts, one slide on how each skill works.

Guides

## Why AI in SAP ABAP needs an MCP server

Without MCP, AI sees only the snippet someone pastes into it. It doesn't know your Z tables, includes or naming rules, and it never learns whether the code passed the syntax check, so it writes textbook ABAP that doesn't fit your system. With an ABAP MCP server, AI reads the live code, asks the system for DDIC and where-used, runs the checks itself and fixes its code from the results. That loop is where the gap between 37% and 84% comes from, measured on 180 ABAP tasks in the [TH Köln benchmark](https://arxiv.org/abs/2601.15188) and its [extended model leaderboard](https://github.com/marianfoo/LLM-Benchmark-ABAP-Code-Generation/blob/main/MODEL_LEADERBOARD.md) (Claude Opus 4.6, April 2026).

**37%**of ABAP tasks solved on the first try

**84%**after five rounds of compiler and unit-test feedback

SAP's own MCP server, per [SAP Help](https://help.sap.com/docs/abap-ai/generative-ai-in-abap-cloud/enabling-adt-mcp-server-6f6e72852b9746ffbe083d5a818fbbec), runs inside Eclipse ABAP Development Tools 3.60 and newer, on localhost behind a token, and SAP states support down to release 7.31 SP04, on-premise included. From ADT 3.62 it reads and edits source for CLI clients such as Claude Code, and it writes only to the packages you put on its allow-list. Nothing is installed on SAP and AI works under the developer's own SAP user.

## The best AI for ABAP: Claude Code or GitHub Copilot

Both connect to the same SAP server. [GitHub Copilot for Eclipse](https://github.com/microsoft/copilot-for-eclipse) runs inside ADT and reads ABAP through the IDE, and you can pick Claude models in it. Claude Code runs in the Eclipse terminal with your Claude licence. On ADT 3.62 or newer it reads and edits code through SAP's server too; on 3.60 and 3.61 it needs the community add-on [arc1](https://github.com/arc-mcp/arc1-adt-abap-mcp-ext) to read and can't change existing objects through SAP's server. The test asks which one you use and builds the install guide for it.

## When a local MCP server isn't allowed

-   **A central MCP server inside your network**, behind the firewall and reached over VPN. IT gets one place for rules and logs. Chat connectors that run in the cloud can't reach it; Claude Code on the laptop can.
-   **Your own MCP server** with only the tools you choose, for example read source, where-used, ATC and tests, and no table contents.
-   **No MCP.** Export code to files with [abapGit](https://docs.abapgit.org/user-guide/getting-started/install.html) and let AI work on them. Reading, checks and moving code back stay manual, and the score stops around 4 out of 10.

## Why rewrite ABAP reports to CDS views

Many Z reports still read data the old way: a SELECT, then a loop with more SELECTs inside, joins and totals built in ABAP. A CDS view moves that work into the database. The `cds-rewrite` skill does the move with AI and proves the result stays the same.

-   **Speed.** HANA joins, filters and totals the data where it lives, so far less data travels to the ABAP server. Reports with SELECTs in loops are usually the biggest winners.
-   **One definition, many users.** The same view feeds the ABAP report, a Fiori app, an OData API and analytics.
-   **Authorization in one place.** A CDS access control declares who sees which rows once, instead of AUTHORITY-CHECKs scattered through programs.
-   **Testable.** CDS views have their own test double framework, so the rewrite comes with tests that prove the output.
-   **Where SAP is going.** RAP, ABAP Cloud and SAP's clean-core guidance all build on CDS views.

Not everything belongs in a view. Updates and complex procedural rules stay in ABAP, and a rewrite that doesn't make the report faster or simpler isn't worth shipping, which is why the skill measures runtime before and after. CDS view entities need release 7.55 or newer (S/4HANA 2020); from 7.40 SP05 to 7.54 the skill writes classic DDIC-based CDS views (DEFINE VIEW), and 7.31 has no CDS.

## SAP and AI terms in plain English

For anyone answering the test who doesn't work in SAP every day. Each question in the test explains the terms it uses.

Claude Code

Anthropic’s coding agent. It runs in a terminal or VS Code, reads a whole project, runs commands and edits files. Included in Claude Team and Enterprise.

GitHub Copilot

GitHub’s coding assistant. It has an official Eclipse plugin with ABAP support and can use Claude, GPT and other models.

MCP (Model Context Protocol)

An open standard that lets an AI tool call tools in another system, such as “read this class” or “run the tests”. Without it, AI sees only what you paste.

ADT MCP server

SAP’s own MCP server, built into Eclipse ADT 3.60 and newer. From 3.62 it reads and edits source for CLI clients such as Claude Code, and writes only to the packages you allow. It runs on the developer’s laptop (localhost:2234) behind a token; SAP states support from release 7.31 SP04.

ADT (ABAP Development Tools)

SAP’s free plugin that turns Eclipse into the editor for ABAP. It is the modern way to develop on S/4HANA.

SAP GUI and SE80

SAP GUI is the classic desktop client for SAP. SE80 is its built-in development workbench, older than ADT.

SAP HANA Studio

An older Eclipse-based tool for HANA database work. SAP no longer develops it (SAP Note 2465027).

Release (SAP\_BASIS)

The version of SAP’s technical platform, for example 7.50 or 7.58. It decides which language features and tools work.

SICF and /sap/bc/adt

SICF is the SAP transaction where web services are switched on and off. /sap/bc/adt is the group of services Eclipse ADT and every ADT-based MCP server use.

Basis

The SAP administration team: systems, users, settings and transport imports.

Transport

A package of changed objects that moves a change from development to test to production. It is the only way code reaches production.

DEV, QAS, PRD

The development, quality (test) and production systems. Code is written only in DEV and travels forward by transport.

ChaRM

Change Request Management in SAP Solution Manager: transports tied to an approved change document, with its own approvals.

Z objects

Your company’s own code. Names start with Z or Y, everything else is SAP standard.

CDS view

Core Data Services: a view defined as source code (define view entity …) that joins, filters and totals data inside the database. It is the base of Fiori apps, analytics and RAP on S/4HANA.

DDIC (ABAP Dictionary)

The definitions of tables, structures and data types in SAP. Structure, not data.

Short dump (ST22)

SAP’s crash report: the failing line, the call stack and variable values. Transaction ST22 lists them.

ATC (ABAP Test Cockpit)

SAP’s built-in quality gate that runs static code checks, often before a transport is released.

ABAP Unit

SAP’s built-in unit test framework. Test classes live next to the code they test.

abapGit

An open-source tool that exports ABAP objects to files and imports them back. It runs as one program inside SAP and works without internet in offline mode.

arc1

A community Eclipse plugin that adds read-only tools to SAP’s MCP server: where-used, package contents, the inactive-objects list, and source reading on ADT 3.60 and 3.61. Block its arc1\_sap\_http\_post tool, which can post to any ADT endpoint.

Community MCP servers

Open-source MCP servers that talk to SAP’s ADT services directly, without Eclipse, for example vibing-steampunk or mcp-abap-adt. Some can read and write code; some can read table contents, which you should switch off.

Read-only Jira token

A personal access token with read rights only. AI can read tickets with it but can’t change them.

WSL

Windows Subsystem for Linux: Linux running inside Windows. Its own network makes localhost on Windows hard to reach.

[Back to the test](#test)

FAQ

## AI SDLC for SAP: common questions

What is an AI SDLC for SAP?

An AI SDLC for SAP is a way of building ABAP changes where AI agents work at every stage: specification, analysis, code, tests, review, documentation and transport, with a person approving each step. In practice it runs through an MCP server in Eclipse ADT and one AI skill per stage of the lifecycle.

How do you use AI in SAP ABAP development?

Give an AI coding agent such as Claude Code or GitHub Copilot access to your code and to the system’s checks. The strongest setup is SAP’s ADT MCP server in Eclipse: AI reads live code, writes changes in DEV, runs ATC and ABAP Unit and assigns transports, while a person approves every step.

What is the best AI for ABAP coding: Claude Code, Copilot or Joule?

In a public 180-task ABAP benchmark, general frontier models solved far more tasks than SAP’s own ABAP model: Claude Opus 4.6 reached 84% after five rounds of feedback, SAP-ABAP-1 about 20%. Claude Code and GitHub Copilot both connect to SAP’s MCP server; Joule for Developers runs on SAP AI units.

Does the ABAP MCP server work on-premise and with ECC?

Yes. SAP’s ADT MCP server ships in Eclipse ABAP Development Tools 3.60 and newer, and SAP states support down to release 7.31 SP04, on-premise and cloud, ECC included. It runs on the developer’s laptop, uses the ADT connection the developer already has, and needs nothing installed on the SAP server.

Can Claude or ChatGPT connect directly to an SAP system?

Claude Code can, through an MCP server: SAP’s own server in Eclipse, a community server that talks to the ADT services, or one your team builds. It runs on the developer’s laptop, so it reaches an on-premise system over your network. Chat connectors that run in a vendor’s cloud can’t reach a server behind your firewall.

Will AI replace SAP ABAP developers?

AI takes over the typing: boilerplate, copy-paste and first drafts of tests and documentation. It still needs someone who knows the business process and the system, and in a good setup a person approves every change before it reaches production. In one 18-person SAP team the same people delivered faster, from 19 to about 5.5 days median.

Can Claude Code connect to SAP’s ADT MCP server?

Yes. SAP’s ADT MCP server runs inside Eclipse ABAP Development Tools on the developer’s machine, at localhost:2234 behind a bearer token, and Claude Code connects to it with one claude mcp add command. From ADT 3.62 the server reads and edits source for Claude Code too; on 3.60 and 3.61 reading needs the community add-on arc1. SAP supports the tools only with a Joule for Developers licence.

Is there an open-source set of AI skills for ABAP?

Yes. The ten skills on this page, from spec-grill to bugfix, are open source under the MIT licence at github.com/marian-kamenistak/sap-ai-skills, as a Claude Code plugin and as GitHub Copilot prompt files. In Claude Code, install them with /plugin marketplace add marian-kamenistak/sap-ai-skills and then /plugin install sap-abap@sap-ai-skills.

Updated 10 November 2026.

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