How To Fix W8174 - Constants are restricted to only 80 characters

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

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

• Message number: 174

• Message text: Constants are restricted to only 80 characters

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• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message W8174 - Constants are restricted to only 80 characters ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  W8174 - Constants are restricted to only 80 characters
  
  Cause:
  This warning occurs when you try to define a constant in ABAP whose value exceeds the maximum allowed length of 80 characters. In ABAP, constants are defined with a fixed value, and the system restricts the length of this value to 80 characters.
  For example, if you write:
  CONSTANTS c_long_constant TYPE string VALUE 'A very long string that exceeds 80 characters...'.
  and the string literal exceeds 80 characters, the system will issue this warning.
  
  Explanation:
  
  The ABAP language restricts constant values to a maximum length of 80 characters.
  This is a language design limitation to ensure constants remain manageable and efficient.
  The restriction applies to the literal value assigned to the constant, not the data type length itself.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Shorten the constant value:
  
  Reduce the length of the constant value to 80 characters or less.
  
  
  Use variables instead of constants:
  
  If you need to store a string longer than 80 characters, consider using a variable instead of a constant.
  
  
  Split the constant into multiple parts:
  
  If the long string is necessary, split it into multiple constants each with less than 80 characters, and concatenate them at runtime.
  Example:
  CONSTANTS c_part1 TYPE string VALUE 'First part of the long string...'.
  CONSTANTS c_part2 TYPE string VALUE 'Second part of the long string...'.
  
  DATA long_string TYPE string.
  long_string = c_part1 && c_part2.
  
  
  Use text symbols or external text files:
  
  For very long texts, consider storing the text in text symbols or external files and read them at runtime.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  ABAP Data Types: The string type can hold very long strings, but constants are limited in their literal length.
  Constants in ABAP: Constants are compile-time fixed values and have restrictions on their definition.
  SAP Notes and Documentation: Check SAP Help Portal or SAP Notes for any updates or changes in ABAP language restrictions.
  Performance Consideration: Using very long constants is generally discouraged; variables or external storage are preferred for large texts.
  
  
  Summary:
  
  Cause: Constant value exceeds 80 characters.
  Solution: Shorten the constant, split it, or use variables/text symbols.
  Note: This is a language limitation in ABAP constants.
  
  
  If you provide the exact code snippet causing the warning, I can help you refactor it accordingly.