How To Fix PU161 - Program &: Syntax error in line &

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: PU - Upgrade and Transport Log Messages

• Message number: 161

• Message text: Program &: Syntax error in line &

What causes this issue?

Program &V1& contains a syntax error in line &V2&. The error text is
displayed in a log line.

System Response

The specified program is not executed.

How to fix this error?

If the log line with the error text is not yet visible, expand the log
with <LS>Expand</> or <LS>Expand all</>.
To analyze the error in more detail, check the program in transaction
SE38 with the function <LS>Program</> -> <LS>Check</>. The faulty part
of the program is displayed in the program editor.
Note:
A program may be faulty in the transport target system, despite
functioning correctly in the source system. The reason for this is the
different environment (missing or different INCLUDE programs or Data
Dictionary objects) that the program encounters in the target system.
Check whether the error can be corrected by transporting dependent
objects.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message PU161 - Program &: Syntax error in line & ?

  The SAP error message PU161, which states "Program &: Syntax error in line &," typically indicates that there is a syntax error in an ABAP program. This error can occur for various reasons, and understanding the cause and potential solutions can help you resolve the issue effectively.
  Causes of PU161 Error
  
  
  Typographical Errors: There may be a simple typo in the code, such as a missing semicolon, incorrect variable names, or misspelled keywords.
  
  
  Incorrect Syntax: The ABAP code may not adhere to the correct syntax rules. This could include incorrect use of statements, missing parentheses, or incorrect structure of loops and conditions.
  
  
  Incompatible Data Types: If there are operations involving incompatible data types, it can lead to syntax errors.
  
  
  Missing or Incorrectly Defined Variables: If a variable is not defined or is defined incorrectly, it can cause syntax issues.
  
  
  Commenting Issues: Improperly commented code can lead to syntax errors, especially if comment delimiters are not used correctly.
  
  
  Code Generation Issues: If the program is generated dynamically or through a tool, there may be issues in the generation logic.
  
  
  Solutions to PU161 Error
  
  
  Check the Code for Typos: Review the line indicated in the error message and the surrounding lines for any typographical errors.
  
  
  Review Syntax Rules: Ensure that the code adheres to ABAP syntax rules. You can refer to the ABAP documentation for guidance on correct syntax.
  
  
  Use the ABAP Editor: Utilize the ABAP Editor (transaction SE38 or SE80) to check the program. The editor often highlights syntax errors and provides suggestions for corrections.
  
  
  Debugging: If the error occurs during runtime, use the debugger to step through the code and identify where the syntax issue arises.
  
  
  Check Data Types: Ensure that all variables are declared correctly and that operations between variables are compatible in terms of data types.
  
  
  Commenting: Ensure that comments are properly formatted. Use * for single-line comments and /* ... */ for multi-line comments.
  
  
  Recompile the Program: After making corrections, recompile the program to see if the error persists.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: If you are unsure about specific syntax or functions, refer to the official SAP documentation or ABAP programming guidelines.
  
  
  Related Information
  
  Transaction Codes: Use transaction codes SE38 (ABAP Editor) or SE80 (Object Navigator) to access and edit the program.
  ABAP Documentation: SAP provides extensive documentation on ABAP programming, which can be helpful for understanding syntax and best practices.
  SAP Community: Engaging with the SAP Community can provide insights and solutions from other developers who may have encountered similar issues.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the syntax error causing the PU161 message in your SAP environment.