How To Fix W8163 - Object types & and & are not compatible

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: W8 - Workflow: Expressions, data flow

• Message number: 163

• Message text: Object types & and & are not compatible

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message W8163 - Object types & and & are not compatible ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  W8163 - Object types & and & are not compatible
  
  Cause:
  This warning message occurs when an operation involves two objects (such as data objects, variables, or parameters) of incompatible or mismatched object types. The system detects that the types of the two objects involved do not match or cannot be used together in the given context.
  For example, this can happen when you try to assign or compare two variables of different object types, or when you try to perform operations that require compatible types but the types differ.
  
  Explanation:
  
  The placeholders & and & in the message are replaced by the actual object types involved.
  The incompatibility means that the system cannot safely or logically process the operation because the types do not align.
  This is often a warning (not an error), so the system may still allow the operation but warns you that it might lead to unexpected results.
  
  
  Common Scenarios:
  
  Assigning an object reference of one class type to a variable of another unrelated class type.
  Comparing two objects of different types.
  Passing parameters to function modules or methods where the expected and actual types differ.
  Using incompatible data types in expressions or statements.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check the Object Types:
  
  Identify the two object types involved (the message will show them in place of &).
  Verify if these types are compatible or related (e.g., inheritance, interfaces).
  
  
  
  Correct the Type Mismatch:
  
  If you are assigning or comparing objects, ensure they are of the same type or compatible types.
  Use type casting or conversion if appropriate and safe.
  Adjust the data declarations or parameter definitions to match the expected types.
  
  
  
  Use Type Checking:
  
  Use runtime type checks (IS INSTANCE OF) before assignments or operations to avoid incompatibility.
  Implement proper error handling if types do not match.
  
  
  
  Review the Code Logic:
  
  Sometimes the warning indicates a logical flaw in the program design.
  Reconsider the design to ensure objects are used consistently.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Message Class: W8 (Object Services)
  Transaction: This message often appears in ABAP Object-Oriented programming contexts.
  ABAP Statements: Assignments (=), comparisons, method calls, parameter passing.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes related to object type compatibility if the issue is complex.
  Debugging: Use the ABAP debugger to inspect the types of the objects at runtime.
  
  
  Example:
  DATA: obj1 TYPE REF TO cl_gui_alv_grid,
        obj2 TYPE REF TO cl_gui_custom_container.
  
  obj1 = obj2. " This will trigger W8163 because cl_gui_alv_grid and cl_gui_custom_container are incompatible types.
  Fix:
  
  Ensure obj2 is of type cl_gui_alv_grid or a compatible subclass.
  Or use proper casting if applicable.
  
  
  If you provide the exact object types from the message, I can help with a more specific solution.