How To Fix DDLS355 - CAST & from & to type & is not possible; target length is too small

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: DDLS - For DDL source handling

• Message number: 355

• Message text: CAST & from & to type & is not possible; target length is too small

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message DDLS355 - CAST & from & to type & is not possible; target length is too small ?

  The SAP error message DDLS355 indicates that there is an issue with a data type conversion in a database operation, specifically when trying to cast a value from one data type to another. The error message typically reads: "CAST & from & to type & is not possible; target length is too small." This means that the system is attempting to convert a value from one type to another, but the target data type's length is insufficient to hold the value being converted.
  Cause:
  
  Data Type Mismatch: The source data type has a larger length or precision than the target data type. For example, trying to cast a VARCHAR(255) to a VARCHAR(50) where the original string exceeds 50 characters.
  Incompatible Types: The types being cast may not be compatible, such as trying to convert a complex type to a simpler one without proper handling.
  Database Schema Changes: If there have been recent changes to the database schema (like reducing the size of a column), existing data may not fit into the new schema.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Adjust Target Length: Increase the length of the target data type to accommodate the source data. This can be done by altering the database schema to change the column definition.
  
  Example: If you are trying to cast a VARCHAR(255) to VARCHAR(50), change the target to VARCHAR(255) or a suitable length.
  
  
  
  Data Truncation: If it is acceptable to lose some data, you can truncate the source data before casting. This can be done using string functions like SUBSTRING or LEFT to ensure the data fits into the target type.
  
  Example: CAST(LEFT(source_column, 50) AS VARCHAR(50)).
  
  
  
  Check Data: Review the data being processed to ensure that it fits within the constraints of the target type. You may need to clean or validate the data before performing the cast.
  
  
  Review Database Changes: If the error occurred after a schema change, review the changes to ensure that they are appropriate and that existing data can still be accommodated.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Data Types in SAP: Familiarize yourself with the different data types and their lengths in SAP and the underlying database (e.g., HANA, Oracle, etc.).
  SQL Functions: Learn about SQL functions that can help with data manipulation, such as CAST, CONVERT, SUBSTRING, etc.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message.
  Testing: Always test changes in a development or test environment before applying them to production to avoid data loss or corruption.
  
  By addressing the underlying cause of the error and implementing one of the solutions, you should be able to resolve the DDLS355 error in SAP.