How To Fix SB318 - Initial source code not identical, changes can be copied

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: SB - Version Management Messages

• Message number: 318

• Message text: Initial source code not identical, changes can be copied

What causes this issue?

When the system copies changes, it calculates the differences between
the initial ABAP source code and the final ABAP source code in the
source system (here &V2&). The system then attempts to add this delta
to the initial source code in the local system (&V1&). Although the
initial ABAP source code in the source system &V2& is different from
the initial ABAP source code in the local system &V1&, you can still
add the delta.
However, in certain cases it may make no sense to add the delta in the
local system &V1&. This cannot be determined automatically.
See also <DS:TX.BCWB_DELTA_TRANSFER_INFO>Technical details on copying
changes</>.

System Response

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

How to fix this error?

If you want to copy the changes made to this object, select the object.
Check the results after the changes have been copied.

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 SB318 - Initial source code not identical, changes can be copied ?

  The SAP error message SB318, which states "Initial source code not identical, changes can be copied," typically occurs during the transport of objects in SAP, particularly when there are discrepancies between the source code in the transport request and the current version in the target system.
  Cause:
  
  Source Code Changes: The source code of the object in the target system has been modified after the transport request was created. This means that the version of the object in the target system is different from the version that was captured in the transport request.
  Multiple Changes: If multiple developers are working on the same object, and one developer has made changes that are not included in the transport request, this can lead to discrepancies.
  Transport Request Issues: The transport request may not have been properly released or may have been modified after it was created.
  
  Solution:
  
  Review Changes: Check the changes made to the object in the target system. You can do this by comparing the current version of the object with the version in the transport request.
  Manual Merge: If the changes in the target system are necessary, you may need to manually merge the changes from the transport request with the changes in the target system. This can be done by copying the relevant code from the transport request and integrating it into the target system's version.
  Re-transport: If the changes in the target system are not needed, you can revert the object to the version in the transport request and then re-transport it.
  Use of Transport Organizer: Utilize the Transport Organizer (SE09 or SE10) to manage and monitor transport requests effectively. Ensure that all changes are properly documented and that the transport requests are released correctly.
  Locking Mechanism: Implement a locking mechanism to prevent multiple developers from making changes to the same object simultaneously, which can help avoid such discrepancies in the future.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Use transaction codes SE09 or SE10 to manage transport requests and view the status of objects.
  Change Management: Implement a change management process to track changes made to objects and ensure that all changes are properly transported.
  Documentation: Maintain proper documentation of changes made to objects, including who made the changes and when, to facilitate easier troubleshooting in the future.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the SB318 error and prevent it from occurring in the future.