What is Eclipse ADT for SAP ABAP?

Eclipse ADT (ABAP Development Tools) is the modern, Eclipse-based IDE for SAP ABAP development. It replaces the old SAP GUI-based ABAP editor and brings full-featured developer tools — syntax highlighting, code completion, refactoring, unit testing, and debugging — into a professional IDE environment.

ADT connects to your SAP system via the SAP backend and lets you develop ABAP programs, classes, function modules, and Fiori applications directly from your desktop.

Watch: Full Installation Walkthrough

Full video walkthrough — Install Eclipse IDE & SAP ABAP Development Tools

Step-by-Step Installation Guide: Eclipse & ABAP Development Tools

1

Download Eclipse Installer

Visit the Eclipse website and download the installer:

Eclipse Download Page
Eclipse Download Page
2

Run the Eclipse Installer

Locate the downloaded installer and run it. Allow security prompts if required.

Note: Windows users may need to allow through SmartScreen. macOS users, right-click and select "Open".
Eclipse Installer Run
Eclipse Installer — Run the Installer
3

Select Eclipse IDE for Java Developers

Choose "Eclipse IDE for Java Developers" from the package options.

Why Java Package? ADT is built on Java, so this provides the required foundation.
Select Eclipse IDE for Java Developers
Select Eclipse IDE for Java Developers
4

Configure Installation Settings

Configure your installation preferences:

  • ✅ Installation Folder: Use default or choose custom location
  • ✅ JRE: Will be automatically bundled
  • ✅ Start Menu Entry: Check for easy access

Click Install to begin.

Eclipse Installation Configuration Screen
Configure Eclipse Installation Settings
5

Accept License Agreements

Review the Eclipse Foundation license agreement and click "Accept Now".

Eclipse License Agreement Screen
Accept Eclipse License Agreement
6

Wait for Installation to Complete

The installer will download and install Eclipse with required components. This may take a few minutes.

Tip: Don't interrupt the process. Keep your system powered on with internet connected.
Eclipse Installation Progress
Eclipse Installation in Progress
7

Launch Eclipse IDE

Click "Launch" after installation. Select a workspace directory for your projects.

  • ✅ Use default workspace or choose custom path
  • ✅ Check "Use as default" to skip this in future
Eclipse Workspace Selection
Eclipse Workspace Selection
8

Install ABAP Development Tools Plugin

In Eclipse, go to Help > Install New Software.

Enter the ADT update site URL in the "Work with" field:

ADT Update Site: https://tools.hana.ondemand.com/latest

Press Enter to load available tools.

Eclipse Install New Software Dialog
Eclipse Install New Software Dialog
9

Select ABAP Development Tools

Select "ABAP Development Tools" from the list. Check the main ADT features:

  • ✅ ABAP Development Tools — Core functionality
  • ✅ ABAP Development Tools for SAP NetWeaver — Additional features

Click "Next" to continue.

Select ABAP Development Tools
Select ABAP Development Tools for Installation
10

Complete ADT Installation and Verify

Accept license terms and click "Finish". Trust the SAP certificate when prompted.

Important: Eclipse will prompt for restart. Click "Restart Now" to activate ADT.
Complete ADT Installation
Complete ADT Installation

After restart, verify by going to Window > Perspective > Open Perspective > Other — ABAP perspective should be listed.

ABAP Perspective Verified
ABAP Perspective Available — Installation Verified

Connecting ADT to Your SAP System

Once ADT is installed, create a project connection:

  1. Go to File > New > ABAP Project
  2. Enter your SAP system details: System ID, Application Server, Instance Number, Client
  3. Enter your SAP login credentials
  4. Click Finish — your ABAP system appears in the Project Explorer

You can now create, edit, and run ABAP programs directly from Eclipse. Learn ABAP development with our free SAP ABAP Course →