How To Fix OO_SOURCE_BASED018 - ABAP source code lines longer than 255 characters are not allowed

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: OO_SOURCE_BASED - WB - Class Builder - Messages for the source-b. Class Editor

• Message number: 018

• Message text: ABAP source code lines longer than 255 characters are not allowed

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message OO_SOURCE_BASED018 - ABAP source code lines longer than 255 characters are not allowed ?

  The SAP error message OO_SOURCE_BASED018 indicates that there are lines in your ABAP source code that exceed the maximum allowed length of 255 characters. This limitation is due to the way ABAP handles source code, particularly in the context of certain objects like classes, methods, or function modules.
  Cause:
  
  Line Length Exceeded: ABAP has a restriction where individual lines of code cannot exceed 255 characters. This is a common issue when dealing with long strings, complex statements, or concatenated strings that are not properly split across multiple lines.
  Code Generation: Sometimes, code generated by tools or frameworks may inadvertently create long lines that exceed this limit.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Break Long Lines: If you have long lines of code, break them into multiple lines. You can do this by using the concatenation operator (&&) for strings or by restructuring your code logic.
  DATA(lv_long_string) = 'This is a very long string that exceeds the limit of 255 characters. ' &&
                          'You can split it into multiple lines to avoid the error.';
  
  
  Use String Templates: If you are using ABAP 7.40 or higher, consider using string templates, which allow for more readable multi-line strings.
  DATA(lv_long_string) = |This is a very long string that exceeds the limit of 255 characters. 
                          You can split it into multiple lines to avoid the error.|.
  
  
  Refactor Code: If the line is part of a complex expression, consider refactoring the code to simplify it or break it into smaller, more manageable pieces.
  
  
  Check Generated Code: If the error arises from generated code, check the generation logic or settings to ensure it adheres to the line length restrictions.
  
  
  Review Comments: Sometimes, comments can also contribute to line length. Ensure that comments are concise and do not exceed the limit.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  ABAP Line Length Limit: The 255-character limit is a fundamental aspect of ABAP programming. Understanding this limitation is crucial for writing compliant code.
  ABAP Version: If you are using an older version of ABAP, consider upgrading to a newer version that supports more advanced string handling features.
  Code Quality Tools: Utilize code quality tools or static analysis tools that can help identify long lines and other potential issues in your ABAP code.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the OO_SOURCE_BASED018 error and ensure your ABAP code adheres to the required standards.