How To Fix OO_SOURCE_BASED031 - The class definition cannot uniquely be determined

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: 031

• Message text: The class definition cannot uniquely be determined

What causes this issue?

The class can't be separated into its different source parts (public-,
protected-, (package-,) private section or method implementation).

System Response

A warning will be sent and the changes won't be stored.

How to fix this error?

Please check whether the source contains the following statements:
<EX>CLASS <class_name> DEFINITION.</>
<EX>...</>
<EX>ENDCLASS.</>

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

<EX>CLASS <class_name> IMPLEMENTATION.</>
<EX> METHOD <method_name_1>.</>
<EX> ...</>
<EX> ENDMETHOD.</>
<EX> ...</>
<EX> METHOD <method_name_n>.</>
<EX> ...</>
<EX> ENDMETHOD.</>
<EX>ENDCLASS.</>
<EX>It is also important to check that the public-, protected-,
(package-) and private section are in the correct order.</>
<EX>The syntax check will help you to determine where the class
structure is insufficient.</>

Procedure for System Administrators

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message OO_SOURCE_BASED031 - The class definition cannot uniquely be determined ?

  The SAP error message OO_SOURCE_BASED031 ("The class definition cannot uniquely be determined") typically occurs in the context of ABAP programming when the system is unable to resolve a class definition due to ambiguity. This can happen for several reasons, such as:
  Causes:
  
  Ambiguous Class Names: There may be multiple classes with the same name in different namespaces or packages, leading to confusion about which class to use.
  Missing or Incomplete Class Definition: The class might not be fully defined or might be missing in the system.
  Incorrect Use of Interfaces or Inheritance: If a class is trying to implement an interface or inherit from a class that is not clearly defined, it can lead to this error.
  Transport Issues: If the class definition was transported from another system and not all dependencies were transported, it could lead to this error.
  Changes in Class Structure: If the class structure has changed (e.g., renaming or moving classes) and the references have not been updated accordingly.
  
  Solutions:
  
  Check Class Names: Ensure that the class name is unique and correctly specified. If there are multiple classes with the same name, use the fully qualified name (including the namespace).
  Verify Class Existence: Check if the class is defined in the system. You can do this by using transaction SE24 (Class Builder) to search for the class.
  Review Inheritance and Interfaces: Ensure that all parent classes and interfaces are correctly defined and accessible. Check for any changes in the class hierarchy.
  Check Transport Requests: If the class was recently transported, ensure that all related objects and dependencies were included in the transport request.
  Clear Cache: Sometimes, clearing the ABAP buffer can help resolve issues related to outdated definitions. You can do this using transaction code /n/SM12 or /n/SM21.
  Recompile the Class: If the class definition has changed, recompiling the class can help resolve any inconsistencies.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Use SE24 (Class Builder) to view and edit class definitions, and SE80 (Object Navigator) for a broader view of objects.
  Documentation: Refer to SAP Help documentation for Object-Oriented Programming in ABAP for more insights on class definitions and usage.
  Debugging: If the error persists, consider using the ABAP debugger to trace where the ambiguity arises in the code.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the cause of the OO_SOURCE_BASED031 error in your SAP environment.