How To Fix DB6616 - The database heap is full

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: DB6 - DB6: Alert Monitoring and Alert Configuration

• Message number: 616

• Message text: The database heap is full

Copied from DB6 613

What causes this issue?

The database heap is a global area the database uses for memory areas
it administers itself, such as the:
Log buffer
Catalog cache
Control structures for the buffer pool

System Response

If the database heap is full, transactions may terminate.

How to fix this error?

If there is an error, increase the size of the database heap using:
<LB>UPDATE DB CFG USING DBHEAP <value></>
Increasing this value increases the use of virtual memory, which
increases paging if there is not enough main memory available.

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

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message DB6616 - The database heap is full ?

  The SAP error message DB6616, which indicates that "The database heap is full," typically arises when the database server runs out of memory allocated for its heap. This can occur due to various reasons, including high memory consumption by database processes, insufficient memory allocation, or memory leaks.
  Causes:
  
  High Memory Usage: The database may be handling a large number of concurrent connections or transactions, leading to increased memory consumption.
  Insufficient Heap Size: The configured heap size for the database may be too small for the workload being processed.
  Memory Leaks: There may be issues in the application or database that lead to memory not being released properly.
  Configuration Issues: Incorrect database configuration settings can lead to inefficient memory usage.
  Long-Running Transactions: Transactions that take a long time to complete can hold onto memory longer than necessary.
  
  Solutions:
  
  
  Increase Heap Size: 
  
  Adjust the database configuration to increase the heap size. This can usually be done through the database management tools or configuration files.
  For example, in SAP HANA, you can adjust the global_allocation_limit parameter.
  
  
  
  Monitor and Optimize Queries: 
  
  Use performance monitoring tools to identify long-running queries or transactions that may be consuming excessive memory.
  Optimize these queries to reduce their memory footprint.
  
  
  
  Review Application Logic: 
  
  Check the application code for any potential memory leaks or inefficient memory usage patterns.
  Ensure that database connections are properly closed after use.
  
  
  
  Database Maintenance: 
  
  Regularly perform database maintenance tasks such as updating statistics, rebuilding indexes, and cleaning up old data to improve performance and memory usage.
  
  
  
  Restart the Database: 
  
  In some cases, a temporary solution may be to restart the database to clear the memory. However, this is not a long-term fix and should be done with caution.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation: 
  
  Refer to the specific database documentation for configuration parameters related to memory management and heap size.
  
  
  
  Contact Support: 
  
  If the issue persists, consider reaching out to SAP support or your database vendor for further assistance.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Database Logs: Check the database logs for any additional error messages or warnings that may provide more context about the memory issue.
  SAP Notes: Look for relevant SAP Notes that may address this specific error or provide guidance on configuration settings.
  Performance Monitoring Tools: Utilize tools like SAP Solution Manager or database-specific monitoring tools to keep track of memory usage and performance metrics.
  
  By addressing the underlying causes and implementing the suggested solutions, you can resolve the DB6616 error and improve the overall performance of your SAP system.