Basis & Technology
What is SAP Kernel?
The executable programs, written in C/C++, that run the SAP application server and ABAP runtime.
Kernel patches fix bugs and security issues independently of ABAP support packages. Kernel versions must match the ABAP platform release requirements. Kernel upgrades usually need a lighter regression test than support packages.
Related terms
Support Package
A bundle of SAP corrections for a software component, applied in sequence to keep a system current.
SAP Note
An SAP-published correction or guidance document, identified by number, that may include code fixes.
Application Server
A server instance running SAP application work processes that execute ABAP programs.
More in Basis & Technology
Planning an S/4HANA move?
Read the field guides on testing an ECC to S/4HANA migration and grab the free template library.