ED164 - You are not authorized to debug an ABAP program

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: ED - ABAP/4 Editor messages

• Message number: 164

• Message text: You are not authorized to debug an ABAP program

What causes this issue?

You are not authorized to debug an ABAP program.

System Response

Setting a breakpoint has no effect.

How to fix this error?

If you wish to use the ABAP Debugger, contact your system administrator.
This person can supply you with the required authorization
(authorization object S_DEVELOP, authorization field OBJTYPE with value
DEBUG, authorization field ACTVT with value 03).

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message ED164 - You are not authorized to debug an ABAP program ?

  The SAP error message ED164, which states "You are not authorized to debug an ABAP program," typically occurs when a user attempts to debug an ABAP program but lacks the necessary authorizations. This can happen in various scenarios, such as when trying to debug a program in transaction SE80, SE38, or while executing a program that triggers a breakpoint.
  Cause:
  The primary cause of this error is insufficient authorization in the user's profile. Specifically, the user needs the appropriate authorization objects to debug ABAP programs. The relevant authorization objects include:
  
  S_DEVELOP: This object controls access to development tools, including debugging.
  S_PROGRAM: This object controls access to ABAP programs.
  S_USER_AUTH: This object may also be relevant if user authorizations are being checked.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this issue, you need to ensure that the user has the necessary authorizations to debug ABAP programs. Here are the steps to do this:
  
  
  Check User Authorizations:
  
  Use transaction SU53 immediately after encountering the error to see which authorization check failed. This will provide insight into what specific authorization is missing.
  
  
  
  Modify User Roles:
  
  If you have the necessary permissions, you can modify the user's roles to include the required authorizations. This can be done using transaction PFCG.
  Add the necessary authorization objects (like S_DEVELOP and S_PROGRAM) to the user's role.
  
  
  
  Request Authorization:
  
  If you do not have the necessary permissions to change roles, contact your SAP security administrator or the person responsible for user authorizations in your organization. Provide them with the details of the error and request the necessary authorizations.
  
  
  
  Testing:
  
  After the authorizations have been updated, ask the user to try debugging the ABAP program again to confirm that the issue has been resolved.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Debugging in SAP: Debugging is a critical part of ABAP development and troubleshooting. It allows developers to step through code, inspect variables, and understand program flow.
  Authorization Management: SAP uses a role-based access control system, where users are assigned roles that contain specific authorizations. Proper management of these roles is essential for maintaining security and functionality within the system.
  Transaction Codes:
  
  SU53: Display authorization check.
  PFCG: Role maintenance.
  SE80: Object Navigator (for development).
  SE38: ABAP Editor (to execute programs).
  
  
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the ED164 error and gain the necessary access to debug ABAP programs.