How To Fix BB143 - Enter a field length not greater than &

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: BB - Coding Block

• Message number: 143

• Message text: Enter a field length not greater than &

Self-Explanatory Message

Since SAP believes that this specific error message is 'self-explanatory,' no more information has been given.The majority of messages in the SAP system have a message text, however this is frequently insufficient to comprehend or resolve the problem.

To make things easier, more detailed information is frequently added to describe the issue, how to fix it, and the necessary steps or configuration modifications.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message BB143 - Enter a field length not greater than & ?

  The SAP error message BB143, which states "Enter a field length not greater than &," typically occurs when you are trying to define a field length in a data structure or table that exceeds the maximum allowed length for that particular field type. This error is common in various SAP modules, especially when working with data definitions in ABAP Dictionary or while creating custom tables.
  Cause:
  
  Field Length Exceeded: The field length you are trying to enter exceeds the maximum limit defined for that field type. For example, if you are defining a character field (CHAR), the maximum length is usually 255 characters.
  Data Type Restrictions: Different data types have different maximum lengths. For instance, numeric fields have a different limit compared to character fields.
  Incorrect Configuration: Sometimes, the error can arise from incorrect configuration settings or data type assignments in the data dictionary.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Maximum Length: Review the maximum allowed length for the field type you are trying to define. Ensure that the length you are entering does not exceed this limit.
  Adjust Field Length: Modify the field length to a value that is within the allowed range. For example, if you are trying to set a CHAR field to 300 characters, change it to 255 or less.
  Review Data Types: Ensure that you are using the correct data type for your requirements. If you need a longer field, consider using a different data type that supports larger lengths, such as STRING or TEXT, depending on your use case.
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or the ABAP Dictionary documentation for specific details on field types and their limitations.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Data Dictionary (SE11): You can use transaction SE11 to access the Data Dictionary and check the definitions of the fields you are working with.
  ABAP Development: If you are developing custom programs or reports, ensure that you are adhering to the data type and length restrictions defined in the ABAP programming guidelines.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or updates related to this error message, as there may be specific patches or recommendations provided by SAP.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the BB143 error and successfully define your field lengths within the allowed limits.