How To Fix WS_TOOL196 - Service Definition cannot start with an underscore

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WS_TOOL - Message Class for Web Services and Virtual Endpoints

• Message number: 196

• Message text: Service Definition cannot start with an underscore

Self-Explanatory Message

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• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WS_TOOL196 - Service Definition cannot start with an underscore ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  WS_TOOL196 Service Definition cannot start with an underscore
  
  Cause:
  This error occurs when you try to create or activate a Web Service Definition (in SOAMANAGER or via transaction SE80 or SICF) with a service name that begins with an underscore (_). SAP does not allow service definitions or service names to start with an underscore because it violates the naming conventions for web services in the SAP system.
  
  Explanation:
  
  The underscore character at the beginning of a service name is reserved or considered invalid.
  Service names must follow certain naming rules to ensure proper registration, activation, and consumption.
  This restriction helps avoid conflicts or issues in the service registry and URL handling.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  Rename the service definition so that it does not start with an underscore.
  Use only alphanumeric characters or allowed special characters (usually letters, numbers, and sometimes hyphens or dots) at the start of the service name.
  For example, instead of _MyService, use MyService or Svc_MyService.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  This error is commonly encountered when manually creating or importing web service definitions.
  Check the naming conventions in SAP documentation or your project guidelines.
  If you are generating services programmatically or via tools, ensure the naming logic excludes leading underscores.
  The error message WS_TOOL196 is specific to the Web Service Tool in SAP.
  
  
  Summary:
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Details
  
  
  
  
  Error
  WS_TOOL196 Service Definition cannot start with an underscore
  
  
  Cause
  Service name starts with an underscore, which is not allowed
  
  
  Solution
  Rename the service to remove the leading underscore
  
  
  Where it occurs
  SOAMANAGER, SE80, SICF during service creation or activation
  
  
  
  
  If you continue to face issues after renaming, verify the entire service name and check for other invalid characters or naming conflicts.