How To Fix DDLS399 - Function &(&): only columns with length <= & allowed

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: DDLS - For DDL source handling

• Message number: 399

• Message text: Function &(&): only columns with length <= & allowed

What causes this issue?

Parameters in a function are subject to a length restriction. In this
case, the length restriction has not been adhered to.
Examples include:
1. Function BINTOHEX: Only RAW columns of length <(><<)>= 666 are
allowed. The reason for this is because the type of the CHAR result has
double length; the maximum length allowed is 1333 characters.

System Response

Activation or checking was not successful.

How to fix this error?

The current output must be shortened to the allowed length or this
function cannot be used here.

Procedure for System Administrators

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 DDLS399 - Function &(&): only columns with length <= & allowed ?

  The SAP error message DDLS399 indicates that there is an issue with the definition of a database table or a field within a table. Specifically, the error message states:
  "Function &(&): only columns with length <= & allowed."
  Cause:
  This error typically occurs when you are trying to define a column in a database table with a length that exceeds the maximum allowed length for that specific data type. The error message will usually specify the function or operation that triggered the error, along with the maximum allowed length.
  Common scenarios that can lead to this error include:
  
  Attempting to create or modify a table with a field that has a length greater than what is permissible for its data type (e.g., VARCHAR, CHAR).
  Using a data type that has a specific length limitation and trying to assign a longer length than allowed.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check the Data Type and Length:
  
  Review the data type of the column that is causing the error. Ensure that the length specified for the column does not exceed the maximum allowed length for that data type.
  For example, if you are using a CHAR type, the maximum length is typically 255 characters, while VARCHAR can allow longer lengths depending on the database system.
  
  
  
  Modify the Column Definition:
  
  If the length of the column exceeds the allowed limit, you will need to modify the column definition to reduce its length to an acceptable value.
  You can do this in the Data Dictionary (SE11) or in the relevant ABAP code if you are defining the table programmatically.
  
  
  
  Check for Dependencies:
  
  If the column is part of a structure or is being used in other database objects, ensure that changing its length does not violate any dependencies or constraints.
  
  
  
  Re-activate the Table:
  
  After making the necessary changes, you may need to activate the table or structure again to ensure that the changes take effect.
  
  
  
  Test the Changes:
  
  After making the adjustments, test the changes to ensure that the error no longer occurs and that the application behaves as expected.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Data Types in SAP: Familiarize yourself with the different data types and their length limitations in SAP. This information can be found in the SAP documentation or the Data Dictionary.
  Transaction Codes: Use transaction codes like SE11 (Data Dictionary) to view and modify table definitions.
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that may provide additional context or solutions related to this error message.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the DDLS399 error and successfully define your database table or field.