RFC INTERFACE IN SAP

A Remote Function Call is a call of a function module that is running in a different system to the calling program. You can also call a function module in the same system as an RFC; however, RFCs are usually used when the calling and called function modules are running in different systems.

In the SAP system, the RFC interface system provides this function. The RFC interface system allows function calls between two SAP systems or between an SAP system and an external (non-SAP) system.

RFC is an SAP interface protocol that is based on the Common Programming Interface for Communication (CPI-C) and allows cross-host communication between programs.

This means that ABAP functions can be called from external applications and tools, and that external applications can be called from the SAP system.
RFC means that the ABAP programmer does not have to write his or her own communication routines. For an RFC call, the RFC interface

• Converts all parameter data to the format required in the remote system
• Calls the communication routines that are required to communicate with the
remote system
• Handles errors that occur during the communication

The RFC interface is easy for the ABAP programmer to use. The processing steps for calling external programs are integrated into the CALL FUNCTION command.

To call a function module on a remote system, you must define the remote system as a destination in your calling system. You also require access authorization for the remote system.

You can administer these remote connections in the calling system. To do this, call the Display and Maintain RFC Destinations screen, either by choosing the menu path

Tools → Administration → Administration → Network → RFC Destinations or by
calling transaction SM59 directly.

The connection types and all existing destinations display in a tree structure on the initial screen. For details about all available connection types, see the documentation.

There is a search function for destinations that have already been set up. To search for a destination, choose Find and enter your selection. The system displays a list of all matching entries. You can display all available information for each entry.