How To Fix WER161 - Method contains reference parameter which is not assigned

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WER - Messages for the package WER

• Message number: 161

• Message text: Method contains reference parameter which is not assigned

Self-Explanatory Message

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• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WER161 - Method contains reference parameter which is not assigned ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  WER161 - Method contains reference parameter which is not assigned
  
  Cause
  This error occurs when a method in an ABAP class has a reference parameter (i.e., a parameter passed by reference) that is not assigned (i.e., it is INITIAL or NULL) at the time the method is called or within the method implementation where the parameter is expected to be assigned.
  In ABAP Object-Oriented programming, when a method has a parameter defined as a reference type (e.g., REF TO <type>), the caller must pass a valid reference object. If the reference parameter is not assigned (i.e., it points to nothing), and the method tries to access or use it, the runtime raises this error.
  
  Explanation
  
  Reference parameters are pointers to objects or data references.
  If a method expects a reference parameter, it assumes the parameter is assigned (points to a valid object).
  If the parameter is INITIAL (not assigned), the method cannot operate on it.
  This error is a safeguard to prevent runtime errors due to dereferencing null pointers.
  
  
  How to Identify
  
  Check the method signature for parameters defined as REF TO <type>.
  Check the calling code to ensure that the reference parameter is assigned before the method call.
  Inside the method, if you expect the parameter to be assigned, you can add a check using IS ASSIGNED before using it.
  
  
  Solution
  
  
  Ensure the reference parameter is assigned before calling the method:
  DATA: lo_obj TYPE REF TO zcl_my_class.
  
  CREATE OBJECT lo_obj.
  CALL METHOD some_instance->some_method
    EXPORTING
      ref_param = lo_obj.  " lo_obj must be assigned
  
  
  Add a check inside the method to handle unassigned references gracefully:
  METHOD some_method.
    IF ref_param IS NOT ASSIGNED.
      " Handle the error or raise an exception
      RAISE EXCEPTION TYPE cx_sy_move_cast_error
        EXPORTING
          textid = 'Reference parameter not assigned'.
    ENDIF.
  
    " Proceed with using ref_param
  ENDMETHOD.
  
  
  If the parameter can be optional, consider changing the method signature or adding default values.
  
  
  Debugging:
  
  Use the debugger to check the value of the reference parameter at runtime.
  Verify that the caller passes a valid reference.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information
  
  ABAP Reference Parameters: Parameters defined as REF TO <type> are passed by reference and must be assigned.
  IS ASSIGNED operator: Used to check if a reference variable is assigned.
  Common scenarios: Passing object references, data references, or field symbols as parameters.
  SAP Notes: Sometimes SAP provides notes for specific scenarios where this error occurs in standard code.
  
  
  Summary
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Description
  
  
  
  
  Cause
  Method has a reference parameter that is not assigned (null) when accessed.
  
  
  Effect
  Runtime error WER161 raised to prevent null pointer dereference.
  
  
  Solution
  Ensure reference parameters are assigned before method call; add checks inside the method.
  
  
  Check
  Use IS ASSIGNED to verify references before usage.
  
  
  Debugging
  Use debugger to inspect parameter values at runtime.
  
  
  
  
  If you provide the method signature and calling code, I can help you pinpoint the exact place where the reference parameter is not assigned.