Picking up where we left off from our post on [getting started with the ABAP platform trial](/blog/getting-started-with-the-abap-platform-trial), we're diving into more advanced topics that will help you expand and optimize your container experience. 

In this post, we explore how to setup SAP Cloud Connector, access SAP from any location, issues with running on Apple silicon, and more to ensure you get the most out of your ABAP Platform trial experience. 

## Update your hosts file
SAP requires specific host entries for accessing many of its services. To ensure smooth access to Fiori services through the browser or the Cloud Connector, we recommend updating your hosts file. 

On a mac you can use `sudo nano /etc/hosts` via the terminal. 
For Windows, you can typically find and edit the file at `WINDOWS\System32\drivers\etc\hosts`. 

Add an entry like the one below.
 
```bash
# ABAP Platform
127.0.0.1	vhcala4hci
```

### SAP GUI access
With the updated hosts file, you can configure SAP GUI access using the connection info below.
- System ID: A4H
- Instance Number: 00
- Application Server: vhcala4hci

### Fiori access
After you update your hosts file, you can launch Fiori with T-Code `/n/ui2/flp`.

## Run ABAP Platform in detached mode
You can free up your terminal window while keeping ABAP Platform runnning by using detached mode using the command below.

 
```bash
docker run --stop-timeout 3600 -it -d --name a4h -h vhcala4hci -p 3200:3200 -p 3300:3300 -p 8443:8443 -p 30213:30213 -p 50000:50000 -p 50001:50001 sapse/abap-platform-trial:1909 -skip-limits-check --agree-to-sap-license
```

The only difference in this command compared to our previous post is the use of `-it -d` instead of just `-i`. 

Using `-d` or `--detach` ensures the container runs in the background.

When you run a container in detached mode, you do not see the status by default. You can view the container status with the command below.

 
```bash
docker logs a4h -f
```

`a4h` references the running container name as described in the [getting started](/blog/getting-started-with-the-abap-platform-trial) post.

The `-f` will "follow" the logs so that if you are just starting the container you can follow the progress. Feel free to experiment by running the command without this option.

You can click `Ctrl+C` from the terminal window to exit the log view. 

## Run SAP Cloud Connector

The SAP Cloud Connector is essential to securely connect your BTP cloud applications to on-premise systems, in our case ABAP Platform. Cloud Connector is pre-installed in the image and once your container is running, starting it is simple. 

These are the key commands to start, stop, and check the status.
 
```bash
docker exec -it a4h bash /usr/local/sbin/rcscc_daemon start
docker exec -it a4h bash /usr/local/sbin/rcscc_daemon stop
docker exec -it a4h bash /usr/local/sbin/rcscc_daemon status
```

You can access Cloud Connector by going to [https://vhcala4hci:8443/](https://vhcala4hci:8443/).

Since you likely will not have certificates configured, you will get an error like the one below. You can continue by clicking on "visit this website."
![Cloud Connector error](/images/blog/vhcala4hci-cloud-connector-error.png)

## 💡 Need to know
There are several resources for how to configure Cloud Connector so I will only point out some key information. 

- To login, the username is case sensitive "Administrator"
- The default password is "manage" which you will need to update after the first time you log in
- For the **Internal Host** you can use `vhcala4hci` or `127.0.0.1` 
- **Internal Port** is `50000`

![Cloud Connector config](/images/blog/vhcala4hci-cloud-connector-config.png)

> ### 💡 Did you know you can host ABAP Platform on Nuve❓
> Let Nuve host your ABAP Platform trial and take care of all the additional setup required 🛠️ so you can focus on development. 💻 
> [Start your journey with Nuve today](/personal-plan), and leave the complexity behind! 🚀 



## Access SAP from anywhere

Given the relatively high requirements of the ABAP Platform sometimes you may want to run the container on a desktop or a dedicated computer that's always on. In this case, you may want to acess ABAP Platform, Fiori, and Cloud Connector from anywhere in the world. This can be accomplished in various ways.

1. **Local network configuration**: Manually update your home network and localhost settings. This option is free, but can be time-intensive and prone to errors or complications. This also has important security concerns.

2. **VPN or tools like ngrok**: Utilize a VPN or a tool like [ngrok](https://ngrok.com/) to expose your local environment to the internet. This comes with a monthly fee, only works with HTTP/HTTPS, and requires initial setup but offers more flexibility.

3. **System hosting on Nuve**: Opt for a hosted solution using Nuve. This comes with a monthly fee and hosting costs, but provides a hassle-free experience to connect to HTTP/HTTPS or SAP without the need for an intricate setup.

### Local network configuration
If you're running on macOS, you can follow the steps below. 

🚨 Be aware that opening ports to the public internet can expose your network to potential threats. Always ensure that any service you expose is secure and regularly updated.
 
#### Configure your macOS firewall

macOS has a built-in firewall which is managed using the `pf` utility.

1. **Create/Edit a pf anchor file**
 
 ```bash
 sudo nano /etc/pf.anchors/custom.rules
 ```
 
 Add the following lines to allow incoming traffic on the desired ports:
 
 ```bash
 pass in proto tcp from any to any port {8443, 50000, 50001}
 pass in proto udp from any to any port {3200, 3300}
 ```
 
 Save and close the file.

2. **Modify the main `pf.conf` file**
 
 Backup the original `pf.conf`
 
 ```bash
 sudo cp /etc/pf.conf /etc/pf.conf.bak
 ```
 
 Edit the `pf.conf`
 
 ```bash
 sudo nano /etc/pf.conf
 ```
 
 At the end of the file, add the following lines to load your custom rules
 
 ```bash
 anchor "custom.rules"
 load anchor "custom.rules" from "/etc/pf.anchors/custom.rules"
 ```
 
 Save and close the file.

3. **Reload pf with the new configuration**
 
 ```bash
 sudo pfctl -f /etc/pf.conf
 ```
 
4. **Enable pf (if not already running)**
 
 ```bash
 sudo pfctl -e
 ```
 
#### Configure port forwarding on your router

For access outside your home, you need to configure your home router to forward the desired ports to your machine.

The exact steps vary depending on the make and model of your router.

1. **Log into your router’s web interface**. This usually involves navigating to an IP address like `192.168.1.1` or `192.168.86.1` from a browser.
2. **Find the Port Forwarding section**. This might be under "Advanced", "Virtual Server", or something similar.
3. **Create port forwarding rules.** Enter your macOS machine's internal IP address. Specify the external ports and map them to the same ports internally. Choose the protocol for each port (TCP or UDP).
4. **Save the settings and reboot your router if necessary**.

You should now be able to access the services on your macOS machine via the desired ports from the Internet. Always test your setup and remember to regularly check for updates and patches for any software/service you expose to the Internet to minimize vulnerabilities.

 
#### VPN or tools like ngrok
ngrok provides an easy solution for exposing services to the outside world using secure tunnels. It abstracts the complexity of network configuration, making it easier and safer to connect to SAP from anywhere. Refer to the [official documentation](https://ngrok.com/docs/getting-started/) to get started.

Once ngrok is installed and you've authenticated with your token, you can run the command below to get started. The command generates a unique public URL (e.g., "https://example.ngrok-free.app"). This URL acts as an entry point to your local server, forwarding all incoming traffic to the specified local address.
 
```bash
ngrok http https://vhcala4hci:50001
```

To access Fiori, append the path `sap/bc/ui2/flp?sap-client=001&sap-language=EN#Shell-home` to the URL. By appending this path to the ngrok URL, you are creating a complete web address that points to a particular location within SAP Fiori.

When you navigate to the complete URL (e.g., "https://example.ngrok-free.app/sap/bc/ui2/flp?sap-client=001&sap-language=EN#Shell-home"), you'll be accessing your locally hosted SAP Fiori instance from anywhere on the internet, as though you were accessing it locally.

 
![Nuve](/images/logos/nuve-logo.svg)
 
#### System hosting on Nuve 

Infrastructure challenges? We've been there. 

Our team is filled with SAP devs who've faced the same hurdles you might be dealing with. But we also know how amazing it is to code cool apps, and the ABAP Platform is getting us closer to making that the main focus. Still, to make the most out of it, there are some extra steps needed. If you're looking for an easier way to bring all these features to life, give Nuve a try. We know you'll love what you find!

## Using volumes for persistence

While implementing abapGit is considered best practice for code versioning, there might be situations where you need to persist data beyond the lifecycle of your container. In such cases, Docker volumes offer a viable solution. By using Docker volumes, you can store data in a manner that remains intact even after the container has been terminated. This ensures that your essential information is safeguarded and accessible for future use.

To persist data you can create a volume named "abap-data" by adding the `-v abap-data:/hana` option to your Docker run command. This volume will store the data from the `/hana` directory, allowing it to remain intact even if the container is stopped or removed.

The command below includes the volume creation.
 
```bash
docker run --stop-timeout 3600 -it -d --name a4h -h vhcala4hci -p 3200:3200 -p 3300:3300 -p 8443:8443 -p 30213:30213 -p 50000:50000 -p 50001:50001 -v abap-data:/hana sapse/abap-platform-trial:1909 -skip-limits-check --agree-to-sap-license
```

Keep in mind that using a volume in this way requires additional disk space since all data from the `/hana` directory will be copied into the volume. It's important to ensure that you have ample disk space available to avoid potential issues, such as crashing your computer due to running out of storage.

Even if the container is removed, the volume `abap-data` remains. It can be reused by executing the docker run command from above.

These are the key commands to view and inspect volumes.
 
```bash
docker volume ls
docker volume inspect abap-data
```

## Issues with Docker on Apple Silicon

Users have reported that they are unable to run the ABAP Platform image on Apple's M1 and M2 chips. Docker works great across operating systems but poses some challenges when the architecture varies from x86 to ARM.

Once a solution is found, we will update this section of the post. Check back regularly or subscribe to be alerted of the latest updates. 

> ### Stay in the loop! Subscribe now for the latest updates. 📩
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## Wrapping Up

Taking your ABAP platform experience to the next level requires diving into some intricate details and configurations. From setting up SAP Cloud Connector to dealing with the specific requirements of the macOS environment and leveraging Docker volumes for persistence, there are various paths to enhancing your experience.

Always ensure that your setup adheres to security guidelines, and don't hesitate to explore Nuve's solutions if you're looking for a hassle-free experience.

Keep experimenting, keep learning, and don't let technical challenges impede your innovation journey with ABAP Platform. Subscribe to our blog for more insights and updates, and [feel free to reach out](https://www.linkedin.com/in/nestor-lara/) with any questions or comments.

Happy coding!

> ## Run ABAP Platform on Nuve for just $9/month
> Want an affordable way to get the ABAP Platform trial up and running? Starting at just $9/month, Nuve makes it super easy and cost-effective. Here's why you'll love us: 
> 🌍 Always accessible: Access your system from any device, any time. 
> 🔒 Secure: Enjoy peace of mind with HTTPS Fiori access. 
> 💾 Hassle-free backups: Effortlessly save and restore your progress. 
> 🛠️ Ready to roll: Get coding faster with pre-configured abapGit. 
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Enhance your ABAP platform experience.

Enhance your ABAP platform experience by mastering the Cloud Connector, managing storage volumes, and overcoming challenges.

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