Use SAML Authentication on SAP BTP SDK Wizard for Android

[sandeeptds]

Background

The SAP BTP SDK for Android includes a Wizard that streamlines the process of connecting to SAP Mobile Services Instances on SAP BTP and facilitates the creation of the initial application version based on the provided OData. The wizard offers two log-in options: Basic and SAML.

While Basic authentication requires developers to enter their username and password stored in securely on device, those seeking a more secure mechanism can choose SAML authentication.

This blog aims to guide developers through the setup process for using the SAML authentication mechanism.

How To

1. Start Android Studio and Create a New BTP Android App:
   • Follow this tutorial to download and set up the SAP BTP SDK for Android on your machine.

1. Change Authentication Type from Basic to SAML:
   • You may encounter a warning suggesting “Suggest to configure JCEF when login with SAML, please refer to our online document.”

1. Access Documentation:
   • Click on the (?) option to open the documentation.
   • Depending on your Android Studio Version, choose the appropriate documentation:
     • Up to & Including Arctic Fox
     • Flamingo & Above

1. Configure JCEF (Java Chromium Embedded Framework)
   If using Android Studio Flamingo:

• From the main menu, select Help → Find Action → Choose Boot Java Runtime for the IDE.

• Select the latest/suitable environment and click OK.

• Restart Android Studio.

• Create a New BTP Android App with SAML Authentication.

• Once restarted, create a new BTP Android App.

• Change the Authentication Type to SAML and click Next.
  Note: You are not prompted to enter the password anymore.

• Use the suitable option to log in to Mobile Services in the pop-up window and proceed to provide the required details.

Conclusion

This blog is aimed to distill the product documentation, providing developers with a streamlined guide to configure SAML authentication on their SAP BTP SDK Wizard for Android.