How To Fix DS018 - & already exists; choose another name

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: DS - Messages for Editing Text Elements in ABAP Programs

• Message number: 018

• Message text: & already exists; choose another name

What causes this issue?

You attempted to create a program, but used a name which already exists
in the program directory.

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?

If you want to create a new program, choose a new name.
If you want to change the existing program, choose the relevant
sub-object.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message DS018 - & already exists; choose another name ?

  The SAP error message DS018 typically indicates that there is an attempt to create an object (such as a DataStore Object, InfoObject, or other data-related entities) with a name that already exists in the system. This error is common in SAP BW (Business Warehouse) or SAP HANA environments when there is a naming conflict.
  Cause:
  
  Duplicate Name: The most straightforward cause is that the name you are trying to use for the new object is already taken by another object in the same namespace.
  Namespace Conflicts: If you are working in a multi-client environment or have multiple developers, there may be conflicts in naming conventions.
  Transport Issues: Sometimes, objects may exist in the transport layer but not yet be visible in the development environment, leading to confusion.
  
  Solution:
  
  Choose a Different Name: The simplest solution is to select a different name for the object you are trying to create. Ensure that the new name adheres to your organization’s naming conventions.
  Check Existing Objects: Before creating a new object, check the existing objects in the relevant area (e.g., DataStore Objects, InfoObjects) to ensure that the name is not already in use.
  Use Transaction Codes: Use transaction codes like SE11 (Data Dictionary), RSA1 (Data Warehousing Workbench), or SE80 (Object Navigator) to search for existing objects and confirm their names.
  Namespace Management: If you are in a multi-client environment, consider using a specific namespace for your objects to avoid conflicts.
  Transport Management: If you suspect that the object exists in a transport request, check the transport logs or the transport directory to see if the object has been transported to another environment.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Naming Conventions: Familiarize yourself with your organization’s naming conventions for SAP objects to avoid conflicts.
  Documentation: Keep documentation of created objects to track names and avoid duplication.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any specific issues related to your version of SAP that might provide additional context or solutions.
  User Permissions: Ensure that you have the necessary permissions to create objects in the desired namespace.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the DS018 error and successfully create your desired object in SAP.