How To Fix OO_SOURCE_BASED037 - The private section is positioned incorrectly in the class definition

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: 037

• Message text: The private section is positioned incorrectly in the class definition

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_BASED037 - The private section is positioned incorrectly in the class definition ?

  The SAP error message OO_SOURCE_BASED037 indicates that there is an issue with the positioning of the private section in a class definition in ABAP Object-Oriented programming. This error typically arises when the structure of the class definition does not adhere to the expected format.
  Cause:
  In ABAP, a class definition must follow a specific structure. The sections of a class definition are typically ordered as follows:
  
  CLASS DEFINITION: This section includes the class name and any visibility modifiers (e.g., PUBLIC, PROTECTED, PRIVATE).
  PUBLIC SECTION: This section contains the public attributes and methods that can be accessed from outside the class.
  PROTECTED SECTION: This section contains attributes and methods that can be accessed by subclasses.
  PRIVATE SECTION: This section contains attributes and methods that are only accessible within the class itself.
  
  The error OO_SOURCE_BASED037 occurs when the private section is not placed correctly in the class definition, such as being placed before the public or protected sections.
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you need to ensure that the private section is correctly positioned in the class definition. Here’s how you can do that:
  
  Open the Class Definition: Go to the ABAP editor and open the class where the error is occurring.
  Check the Order of Sections: Ensure that the private section is placed after the public and protected sections. The correct order should be:
  CLASS my_class DEFINITION.
    PUBLIC SECTION.
      " Public attributes and methods
    PROTECTED SECTION.
      " Protected attributes and methods
    PRIVATE SECTION.
      " Private attributes and methods
  ENDCLASS.
  
  Adjust the Positioning: If the private section is incorrectly placed, move it to the correct position as shown above.
  Save and Activate: After making the changes, save the class and activate it.
  
  Related Information:
  
  ABAP Class Definition: Understanding the structure of class definitions in ABAP is crucial for object-oriented programming. Familiarize yourself with the visibility sections and their purposes.
  SAP Documentation: Refer to the official SAP documentation for more details on class definitions and object-oriented programming in ABAP.
  Debugging: If you encounter similar errors, check the class structure carefully, as many errors can stem from incorrect section placements or syntax issues.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the OO_SOURCE_BASED037 error and ensure that your class definitions are correctly structured.