How To Fix 28142 - Expression has incorrect length &1. Length &2 was expected

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: 28 - Configuration

• Message number: 142

• Message text: Expression has incorrect length &1. Length &2 was expected

What causes this issue?

The length of the expression at the cursor is not correct. &V2&
characters are expected, but &V1& characters were found.

System Response

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

How to fix this error?

Some language elements have a predefined length. Names for BOM items,
for example, must always be exactly 4 characters long. Correct your
entry.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message 28142 - Expression has incorrect length &1. Length &2 was expected ?

  The SAP error message "28142 Expression has incorrect length &1. Length &2 was expected" typically occurs in the context of ABAP programming when there is a mismatch between the expected length of a data object and the actual length being provided. This error can arise in various scenarios, such as when dealing with string operations, field assignments, or data type conversions.
  Cause:
  
  Data Type Mismatch: The most common cause is that the length of a variable or field does not match the expected length defined in the data dictionary or in the program logic.
  String Operations: When performing operations on strings, if the length of the string does not match the expected length, this error can occur.
  Field Assignments: Assigning a value to a field that has a different length than the source value can trigger this error.
  Function Module or Method Calls: If a function module or method expects a parameter of a certain length and receives a parameter of a different length, this error may be raised.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Data Definitions: Review the data definitions in your program and ensure that the lengths of the variables match the expected lengths. This includes checking the data dictionary definitions for database fields.
  Adjust Lengths: If you are manipulating strings or other data types, ensure that you are using the correct lengths. You may need to adjust the length of the variable or the data being assigned.
  Use Appropriate Functions: When working with strings, consider using functions like CONCATENATE, SPLIT, or REPLACE that handle lengths appropriately.
  Debugging: Use the ABAP debugger to step through the code and identify where the length mismatch occurs. Check the values and lengths of the variables at runtime.
  Error Handling: Implement error handling to catch such issues and provide meaningful messages or corrective actions.
  
  Related Information:
  
  ABAP Data Types: Familiarize yourself with the different ABAP data types and their lengths. For example, CHAR, STRING, XSTRING, etc.
  Data Dictionary: Understand how to use the Data Dictionary (SE11) to check the definitions of database tables and fields.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message.
  Documentation: Refer to the official SAP documentation for best practices in ABAP programming, especially regarding data handling and type conversions.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the cause of the error message 28142 in your SAP environment.