How To Fix SY196 - Container too small

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: SY - ABAP/4 system messages

• Message number: 196

• Message text: Container too small

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 SY196 - Container too small ?

  The SAP error message SY196: Container too small typically occurs when a data structure or container in an ABAP program is not large enough to hold the data being processed. This can happen in various scenarios, such as when dealing with internal tables, strings, or other data types that exceed the predefined size limits.
  Causes:
  
  Data Overflow: The data being processed exceeds the size of the container defined in the program. For example, if you are trying to store a string that is longer than the defined length of a character field.
  Incorrect Data Type Definition: The data type of a variable or field may not be appropriate for the data being assigned to it.
  Internal Table Size: If you are trying to append data to an internal table that has not been defined with sufficient size or structure.
  Function Module/Method Limitations: Some function modules or methods may have specific requirements for input parameters that are not being met.
  
  Solutions:
  
  
  Increase Container Size: Review the definition of the variable or data structure that is causing the error and increase its size. For example, if you have a character field defined as CHAR(10), consider increasing it to CHAR(20) or more, depending on your needs.
  DATA: lv_string TYPE string.
  
  
  Check Data Assignments: Ensure that the data being assigned to the variable or container is compatible with its defined size. Use appropriate data types that can accommodate the expected data.
  
  
  Review Internal Tables: If the error is related to internal tables, ensure that the structure of the internal table is defined correctly and that it can hold the expected number of entries.
  
  
  Debugging: Use the ABAP debugger to trace the execution of the program and identify where the error occurs. This can help you pinpoint the exact variable or data structure that is too small.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: If the error arises from a specific function module or method, consult the SAP documentation to understand the expected input parameters and their sizes.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  ABAP Data Types: Familiarize yourself with ABAP data types and their size limitations. Common types include CHAR, STRING, INT, FLOAT, etc.
  Performance Considerations: While increasing the size of containers can solve the problem, be mindful of performance implications, especially if you are working with large datasets.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to the error message SY196, as there may be specific fixes or recommendations provided by SAP.
  
  By addressing the size of the containers and ensuring that they are appropriately defined for the data being processed, you can resolve the SY196 error in your ABAP programs.