How To Fix WFF_FORM_SERVER101 - CL_WFF_XML: Method SET_DOM( ) with initial reference

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WFF_FORM_SERVER - Web Financials Forms: Form Server

• Message number: 101

• Message text: CL_WFF_XML: Method SET_DOM( ) with initial reference

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WFF_FORM_SERVER101 - CL_WFF_XML: Method SET_DOM( ) with initial reference ?

  Certainly! Here's a detailed explanation regarding the SAP error message:
  
  SAP Error Message:
  WFF_FORM_SERVER101 CL_WFF_XML: Method SET_DOM( ) with initial reference
  
  Cause:
  This error typically occurs when the method SET_DOM() of the class CL_WFF_XML is called with an initial (uninitialized) reference to the XML DOM object. In other words, the program tries to use an object reference that has not been instantiated or assigned any value (it is INITIAL or NULL).
  
  The method SET_DOM() expects a valid XML DOM object reference.
  If the reference passed is INITIAL, the method cannot operate on it, leading to this runtime error.
  This often happens in workflow scenarios where the XML document is not properly created or fetched before being passed to the method.
  
  
  Where it occurs:
  
  In SAP Business Workflow (WFF) processing.
  When workflows handle XML data, e.g., in workflow container elements or workflow tasks that manipulate XML.
  During the execution of workflow methods that involve XML parsing or manipulation.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Object Initialization:
  
  Ensure that the XML DOM object is properly created and assigned before calling SET_DOM().
  For example, the XML DOM object should be instantiated using something like:
  DATA(lo_xml) = NEW cl_xml_document( ).
  
  Or if using older syntax:
  DATA: lo_xml TYPE REF TO cl_xml_document.
  CREATE OBJECT lo_xml.
  
  
  
  
  Validate XML Data:
  
  Make sure the XML data you want to load into the DOM is not empty or invalid.
  If the XML string is empty or malformed, the DOM object might not be created properly.
  
  
  
  Add Null Checks:
  
  Before calling SET_DOM(), check if the reference is initial:
  IF lo_xml IS NOT INITIAL.
    lo_wff_xml->set_dom( lo_xml ).
  ELSE.
    " Handle error or create the DOM object
  ENDIF.
  
  
  
  
  Debug Workflow Logic:
  
  Trace the workflow container and the relevant methods to see where the XML DOM object is supposed to be created.
  Check if any previous step failed to create or assign the XML DOM object.
  
  
  
  SAP Notes and Patches:
  
  Check for any SAP Notes related to workflow XML handling or CL_WFF_XML class issues.
  Sometimes, this error can be caused by bugs fixed in later patches.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Class: CL_WFF_XML is a standard SAP class used in workflow for XML processing.
  Method: SET_DOM() sets the internal XML DOM document for further processing.
  Typical Usage: Used in workflows that need to parse or manipulate XML data, e.g., for workflow container elements of type XML.
  Common Scenario: Passing workflow container elements of type XML to workflow methods or tasks.
  
  
  Summary:
  
  The error means you are passing an uninitialized XML DOM object to SET_DOM().
  Initialize the XML DOM object properly before calling the method.
  Validate XML data and add checks to avoid passing initial references.
  Debug workflow steps to ensure XML DOM creation is successful.
  
  
  If you provide the relevant ABAP code snippet or workflow step, I can help you pinpoint the exact place to fix the issue.