What does an SAP Hana developer do?
An SAP Hana developer builds database logic and data models directly inside the SAP HANA in-memory platform. This role focuses on pushing data-intensive processing into the database layer rather than handling it in application code. You write SQLScript procedures and functions to execute complex calculations at speed. You also design calculation views that structure raw data for reporting and analytics tools.
- Author SQLScript procedures and functions to implement imperative logic within the database. You use the SQLScript editor in SAP HANA studio or SAP Business Application Studio to write, test, and activate these artifacts. This approach moves heavy computational tasks from the application server to the HANA engine, which reduces latency and improves overall system performance for end users.
- Create and maintain HANA data models such as calculation views and related artifacts. You build script-based calculation views using SQL scripting and HANA modeling concepts to define how data joins and aggregates. These models serve as the foundation for business intelligence reports and dashboards, ensuring that downstream applications access clean and structured data sets without requiring additional transformation layers.
- Develop Core Data Services (CDS) artifacts to define data services and database-facing objects. You write CDS definitions and activate them so the repository generates the necessary catalog objects and database tables. This workflow standardizes data access patterns across the enterprise and allows other developers to consume your data structures through consistent interfaces. You manage the full lifecycle of these artifacts from initial design to final activation in the production environment.
How to hire an SAP Hana developer on Upwork
Step 1: Post a job
Define your database logic needs clearly so candidates understand the technical scope. Use the Job Post Generator powered by Umaโข, Upwork's Mindful AI to draft a precise description in seconds. Describe your requirements in a few sentences, and Uma creates a structured post for you. You can write a new post, update a saved draft, or reuse an existing post.
- Specify whether the role requires SQLScript procedures, functions, or script-based calculation views to handle data-intensive logic within the database layer.
- List required tools such as SAP HANA studio, SAP Business Application Studio, or Web IDE to confirm familiarity with your development environment.
- Clarify if the project involves creating CDS artifacts or activating repository objects to generate catalog entries for downstream applications.
Step 2: Evaluate candidates
Look for proof of hands-on experience with HANA modeling and database-side programming. Uma can run instant video interviews and build shortlists with side-by-side comparisons to speed up your review process.
- Check portfolios for activated database artifacts, specifically SQLScript procedures that push complex calculations down to the database engine.
- Verify experience with calculation views, ensuring candidates can model data relationships without relying solely on external application logic.
- Review past work for CDS-based developments, confirming they can define data services and manage artifact activation workflows correctly.
Step 3: Interview your top choices
Discuss specific technical challenges related to SAP HANA performance and data modeling. Schedule and conduct interviews within Upwork Messages, which generates an immediate transcript and summary after each session.
- Ask how they optimize SQLScript code to reduce memory consumption and improve execution speed for large datasets.
- Request examples of script-based calculation views they built, focusing on how they handled imperative logic inside the view.
- Discuss their approach to debugging activated procedures in SAP HANA studio when errors occur during runtime.
Step 4: Agree on scope and begin work
Set clear milestones for delivering database logic and models. Use Upwork Messages and the contract workroom for communication and project management, plus identity verification, payment protection, hourly tracking, and project funds for security.
- Define deliverables such as specific SQLScript functions or calculation views that must be tested and activated in your HANA instance.
- Establish acceptance criteria for CDS artifacts, ensuring they generate the correct catalog objects and integrate with your application layer.
- Agree on a timeline for deploying code to your development environment and verifying data accuracy against business requirements.
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