How To Fix SY186 - Container is too short

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: SY - ABAP/4 system messages

• Message number: 186

• Message text: Container is too short

Self-Explanatory Message

Since SAP believes that this specific error message is 'self-explanatory,' no more information has been given.The majority of messages in the SAP system have a message text, however this is frequently insufficient to comprehend or resolve the problem.

To make things easier, more detailed information is frequently added to describe the issue, how to fix it, and the necessary steps or configuration modifications.

Unfortunately, there isn't any extra information in this error notice.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message SY186 - Container is too short ?

  The SAP error message SY186: Container is too short typically occurs in ABAP programming when a data container (like a string or a table) is not long enough to hold the data being assigned to it. This can happen in various scenarios, such as when you are trying to assign a longer string to a shorter variable or when manipulating internal tables.
  Causes:
  
  String Assignment: Attempting to assign a string that exceeds the defined length of the target variable.
  Internal Table Operations: Trying to read or write to an internal table with a structure that does not match the expected length.
  Data Type Mismatch: Using incompatible data types where the target variable cannot accommodate the source data.
  
  Solutions:
  
  
  Check Variable Lengths: Ensure that the target variable or container has been defined with sufficient length to hold the data being assigned. For example, if you are assigning a string, make sure the target string variable is long enough.
  DATA: lv_string TYPE string LENGTH 100. " Ensure length is sufficient
  lv_string = 'This is a long string that needs to fit.'.
  
  
  Use Appropriate Data Types: Make sure that the data types you are using are compatible. If you are working with internal tables, ensure that the structure of the table is defined correctly and matches the data being processed.
  
  
  Debugging: Use the ABAP debugger to step through the code and identify where the error occurs. Check the lengths of the variables involved in the assignment.
  
  
  Adjust Data Lengths: If you are working with fixed-length fields, consider adjusting the lengths in the data dictionary or the program to accommodate the data being processed.
  
  
  Truncate Data: If it is acceptable for your application, you can truncate the data to fit the target variable, but be cautious as this may lead to loss of information.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  ABAP Data Types: Familiarize yourself with the different data types in ABAP and their characteristics, especially regarding length and compatibility.
  Internal Tables: Understand how to define and manipulate internal tables, including their structure and how to read/write data correctly.
  SAP Documentation: Refer to the official SAP documentation for more details on data types, error handling, and best practices in ABAP programming.
  
  By following these guidelines, you should be able to resolve the SY186 error and prevent it from occurring in the future.