How To Fix SL244 - Length specification for parameters can only be a single digit

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: SL - System log

• Message number: 244

• Message text: Length specification for parameters can only be a single digit

What causes this issue?

The length specifications for parameters can only be one digit.
With an entry of <(>&<)>20, only the first character of the length
specification (in this case: 2) is evaluated.

How to fix this error?

To specify a length greater than 9, you would need to combine
parameters.
We recommend that you avoid placeholders with length specifications.
Instead you can use placeholders in the form <(>&<)>a for the first
parameter, <(>&<)>b for the second, and so on.

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

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message SL244 - Length specification for parameters can only be a single digit ?

  The SAP error message SL244 ("Length specification for parameters can only be a single digit") typically occurs in the context of ABAP programming when defining parameters in a function module or method. This error indicates that the length specification for a parameter is not valid because it exceeds the allowed range.
  Cause:
  The error is caused by specifying a length for a parameter that is greater than 9. In ABAP, when defining the length of a parameter, it must be a single-digit number (0-9). If you attempt to define a parameter with a length greater than 9, the system will raise this error.
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you need to check the parameter definitions in your function module or method and ensure that all length specifications are within the allowed range. Here are the steps to fix the issue:
  
  
  Open the Function Module/Method: Go to the relevant function module or method in the ABAP Workbench (transaction SE37 for function modules or SE80 for classes/methods).
  
  
  Check Parameter Definitions: Look at the parameters defined in the interface. Pay special attention to the length specifications.
  
  
  Adjust Lengths: If you find any parameter with a length greater than 9, reduce it to a single-digit value. If you need to handle longer data, consider using a different data type, such as STRING or CHAR with a length defined in a different way.
  
  
  Save and Activate: After making the necessary changes, save and activate the function module or method.
  
  
  Test: Execute the function/module again to ensure that the error is resolved.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Data Types: In ABAP, the length of character fields can be defined using types like CHAR, STRING, or XSTRING. If you need to handle longer strings, consider using STRING, which can hold variable-length data.
  Documentation: Refer to the SAP Help Portal or ABAP documentation for more details on parameter definitions and data types.
  Debugging: If you are unsure where the error is occurring, you can use the debugger to step through the code and identify the specific parameter causing the issue.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the SL244 error and ensure that your parameter definitions comply with SAP's requirements.