How To Fix SB389 - You can only concatenate modifiable lines

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: SB - Version Management Messages

• Message number: 389

• Message text: You can only concatenate modifiable lines

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message SB389 - You can only concatenate modifiable lines ?

  The SAP error message SB389, "You can only concatenate modifiable lines," typically occurs in the context of ABAP programming when you are trying to concatenate strings or lines that are not modifiable. This can happen in various scenarios, such as when working with internal tables or string variables that are declared as constants or are not allowed to be modified.
  Cause:
  
  Immutable Data: You are attempting to concatenate a line or string that is declared as a constant or is part of a structure that is not modifiable.
  Read-Only Context: The context in which you are trying to perform the concatenation does not allow modifications, such as within certain types of loops or when dealing with specific data types.
  Incorrect Data Types: The data types of the variables you are trying to concatenate may not be compatible or may not allow for concatenation.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Variable Declaration: Ensure that the variables or lines you are trying to concatenate are declared as modifiable. If they are constants or read-only, you will need to change their declaration.
  Example:
  DATA: lv_string1 TYPE string,
        lv_string2 TYPE string,
        lv_result  TYPE string.
  
  lv_string1 = 'Hello'.
  lv_string2 = 'World'.
  CONCATENATE lv_string1 lv_string2 INTO lv_result.
  
  
  Use Modifiable Internal Tables: If you are working with internal tables, ensure that the table is declared as modifiable. You can use the DATA statement to declare a modifiable internal table.
  
  
  Check Context: Make sure that you are not trying to concatenate in a context that does not allow modifications. For example, if you are inside a read-only loop or a method that does not allow changes to the data.
  
  
  Debugging: Use the debugger to check the values and types of the variables involved in the concatenation. This can help you identify if any of them are immutable.
  
  
  Review ABAP Documentation: If you are unsure about the data types or the context, refer to the ABAP documentation for more details on string handling and concatenation.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  ABAP String Handling: Familiarize yourself with ABAP string handling functions and methods, such as CONCATENATE, CONCATENATE ... INTO, and string templates.
  Data Types: Understand the different data types in ABAP, especially when dealing with strings and internal tables.
  Debugging Tools: Utilize SAP's debugging tools to step through your code and inspect variable states at runtime.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the SB389 error and successfully concatenate the desired strings or lines in your ABAP program.