How To Fix SY322 - Pattern with LIKE operator too long

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: SY - ABAP/4 system messages

• Message number: 322

• Message text: Pattern with LIKE operator too long

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message SY322 - Pattern with LIKE operator too long ?

  The SAP error message SY322 indicates that a pattern used with the LIKE operator in an SQL statement is too long. This typically occurs when the string you are trying to match exceeds the maximum length allowed for a pattern in a LIKE condition.
  Cause:
  The LIKE operator is used in SQL to search for a specified pattern in a column. In SAP ABAP, the maximum length for a pattern in a LIKE condition is generally limited to 255 characters. If you attempt to use a string longer than this limit, you will encounter the SY322 error.
  Solution:
  To resolve the SY322 error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check the Length of the Pattern: Review the SQL statement or ABAP code where the LIKE operator is used. Ensure that the pattern string does not exceed 255 characters.
  
  
  Shorten the Pattern: If the pattern is too long, consider whether it can be shortened. You may need to revise your search criteria to use a more concise pattern.
  
  
  Use Alternative Methods: If you need to perform a search that requires a longer string, consider using other methods such as:
  
  Using Regular Expressions: If your SAP system supports it, you can use regular expressions for more complex pattern matching.
  Breaking Down the Query: If applicable, break down the query into smaller parts or use multiple conditions to achieve the desired result without exceeding the length limit.
  
  
  
  Review Database Design: If you frequently encounter this issue, it may be worth reviewing the database design or the way data is being queried to ensure that patterns are being used effectively.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Documentation: Refer to the SAP documentation for more details on SQL syntax and limitations regarding the LIKE operator.
  Performance Considerations: Be aware that using LIKE with leading wildcards (e.g., %pattern) can lead to performance issues, as it may prevent the use of indexes.
  Testing: After making changes, test the query to ensure it behaves as expected and does not produce any further errors.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the SY322 error and improve your SQL queries in SAP.