While testing SAP Workflow you need to debug ABAP code in a method used in one of the background tasks. This presentation describes a method for debugging.

1. Essential
SAP Tutorial
SAP ABAP Tips:
Debugging a Background Task in SAP
Business Workflow
By Vadzim Khlystun
1 Copyrighted 2012 by LeverX, Inc.

2. Tutorial Goal
 Sometimes while testing SAP Workflow you need to debug ABAP
code in a method used in on of the background tasks. Just setting
a break-point in this method won’t work since background task is
executed in another context in background. Fortunately, there is a
workaround exits which can be used to debug this scenario.
 Be careful when using this technique because it based on
causing an infinite loop in ABAP stack and can hang up SAP
system if used improperly.
2 Copyrighted 2012 by LeverX, Inc.

3. Step 1
 Add following
code at the  DATA lv_exit.
beginning of DO.
the method
you want to IF lv_exit = 'X'.
debug and set EXIT.
a break-point
at the first line.
ENDIF.
ENDDO.
3 Copyrighted 2012 by LeverX, Inc.

4. Step 2
 Run/trigger the workflow
you want to debug.
 Run transaction SM50.
 Select process
generated by your
workflow (which most
likely has username
WF_BATCH)
4 Copyrighted 2012 by LeverX, Inc.

5. Step 3
 In menu select Administration
- > Program - > Debugging
 A new session with active
debugger will pop up.
 After finishing debugging,
change value of variable
lv_exit to something else or
end the process by selecting
‘Cancel’ button in
Administration menu.
21 July 2012 5 Copyrighted 2011 by LeverX, Inc.

6. Conclusion
 Described technique is a powerful tool which is very useful when
testing SAP workflow. Use it responsibly to not cause outages in
SAP system.
6 Copyrighted 2012 by LeverX, Inc.

7. Contact Information
Please contact us for more information about our services or solutions available.
LeverX, Inc.
800 West El Camino Real, Suite 180
Mountain View, CA 94040 USA
Tel: (650) 625 – 8347
Web Site: www.LeverX.com
7 Copyrighted 2012 by LeverX, Inc.