In SAP ABAP 4 programming, what is an ABAP Query and what is it mainly used for in reporting?

Introduction / Context:
ABAP Query, often called SAP Query or ABAP 4 Query, is a standard reporting tool provided by SAP to help functional consultants and key users build reports without deep programming skills. This question checks whether you understand that ABAP Query is designed mainly for flexible reporting on SAP tables, not for low level technical tasks such as database administration or compilation.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• SAP system uses ABAP as the main application programming language.
• Functional users often need list reports based on data from one or more SAP tables.
• ABAP Query is available through standard transactions such as SQ01, SQ02, and SQ03.
• The question asks for the main purpose, not every possible feature.

Concept / Approach:
ABAP Query provides a menu driven environment where users define Infosets (data sources), user groups, and queries. Using these objects, they can select fields, create joins, set selection criteria, group data, calculate totals, and format output, all with very little or no custom ABAP coding. The core idea is to empower non technical users to create operational reports quickly, while still using the ABAP Data Dictionary as the single source of truth for metadata.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that ABAP Query works with Infosets and user groups to define data sources and authorizations for reporting. Step 2: Remember that most tasks in ABAP Query involve choosing fields from tables or joins and defining basic calculations or totals. Step 3: Compare each option and identify which one talks about flexible report creation rather than system administration or compilation. Step 4: Option A clearly states that ABAP Query lets functional users define custom reports on SAP tables without writing ABAP code, which matches the main purpose.

Verification / Alternative check:
A quick way to verify is to think of the typical user of ABAP Query. Functional consultants and key users in finance, sales, or logistics often use ABAP Query to build list reports when standard reports are missing or too rigid. Basis administrators or system programmers rarely use ABAP Query for system level tasks such as scheduling or compilation. This confirms that a reporting focused option must be correct.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B is wrong because background jobs are controlled through transaction SM36 and the job scheduler, not through ABAP Query. Option C is incorrect because creation and deletion of transparent tables are handled in the Data Dictionary, not in ABAP Query. Option D is wrong because ABAP programs are compiled by the ABAP runtime, not by a separate ABAP Query tool. Option E is incorrect because user monitoring is done through security and monitoring transactions, not through the query framework.

Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake is to confuse ABAP Query with general database query tools or assume it is meant only for technical developers. Another pitfall is thinking that any tool with the word query must be related to SQL administration. In SAP, ABAP Query is tightly integrated with the Data Dictionary and security, but its focus remains end user and functional reporting rather than low level system tasks.

Final Answer:
A reporting tool that lets functional users define custom reports on SAP tables without writing ABAP code