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How To Fix WD416 - Container element '&' is not multiline


SAP Error Message - Details

  • Message type: E = Error

  • Message class: WD - Workflow definition

  • Message number: 416

  • Message text: Container element '&' is not multiline

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  • Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

  • What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WD416 - Container element '&' is not multiline ?

    SAP Error Message:
    WD416 Container element '&' is not multiline


    Cause

    This error occurs in Web Dynpro ABAP when you try to assign or bind a multiline string (text with line breaks) to a container element that is defined as a single-line element. In other words, the container element (context attribute or UI element) is not designed to hold multiline text, but the data you are trying to put into it contains line breaks or multiple lines.

    For example, if you have a context attribute or UI element of type string (which is single-line) and you try to assign a text with newline characters (\n or CL_ABAP_CHAR_UTILITIES=>NEWLINE), the framework raises this error.


    Explanation

    • Container element: This is typically a context attribute or UI element in Web Dynpro.
    • Not multiline: The element is defined as a single-line string.
    • '&': The placeholder in the error message is replaced by the name of the container element causing the issue.

    Solution

    1. Change the container element to multiline:

      • In the Web Dynpro component, go to the context node or UI element that holds the string.
      • Change the data type of the attribute from string to string with multiline or use a data type that supports multiline text.
      • For UI elements like TextView or TextField, ensure the property multiline is set to true.
    2. Remove line breaks from the string:

      • If multiline text is not required, remove or replace newline characters before assigning the value.
      • Example:
        REPLACE ALL OCCURRENCES OF cl_abap_char_utilities=>newline IN lv_text WITH space.
    3. Use appropriate UI elements:

      • Use UI elements that support multiline text, such as TextView with multiline enabled or TextArea.

    Additional Information

    • This error is common when dealing with text areas, long texts, or texts retrieved from database fields that contain line breaks.
    • Always ensure the UI element and context attribute are consistent in terms of supporting multiline text.
    • The error message is thrown by the Web Dynpro framework during runtime when data binding occurs.

    Summary

    Aspect Description
    Cause Assigning multiline text to a container element defined as single-line.
    Solution Change container element to multiline or remove line breaks from the text before assignment.
    Related UI Use TextView or TextArea with multiline enabled for displaying multiline text.

    If you provide the exact code snippet or context, I can help you with a more specific fix.

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