SAP reference · Lesson

Messages

Quick answer

Messages are how SAP tells you what is wrong; reading them precisely (class + number + text) is the fastest route to a cause, and message references are heavily searched when troubleshooting.

Key takeaways

Double-click a message (or use the long text) to see details/cause.
Use SE91 to view message classes and texts.
Note the class + number to search SAP Notes/help for known issues.
Watch out: Guessing instead of using the reference tools.

What it is

A message (e.g. "M7 021") has a message class (M7) and number, with types Error (E), Warning (W), Information (I), Success (S), Abort (A). The message text often includes placeholders filled at runtime. Messages drive validations and user feedback throughout SAP.

How to find/use it

Double-click a message (or use the long text) to see details/cause.
Use SE91 to view message classes and texts.
Note the class + number to search SAP Notes/help for known issues.
In debugging, set a breakpoint on a specific message to find where it is raised.

Why it matters

Messages are how SAP tells you what is wrong; reading them precisely (class + number + text) is the fastest route to a cause, and message references are heavily searched when troubleshooting.

Common pitfalls

Guessing instead of using the reference tools.
Editing/using without understanding the object.
Relying on memory for details you can look up.

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Check your understanding

Which statement is true of Messages?
- A. In debugging, set a breakpoint on a specific message to find where it is raised.
- B. A structure in ABAP is a composite data type grouping several fields, like a single row of a table.
- C. ME22N is the SAP transaction code for Change Purchase Order (MM).
Show answer
A. In debugging, set a breakpoint on a specific message to find where it is raised.
Covered in the “How to find/use it” section of this lesson.
Which part of the Learn SAP curriculum covers Messages?
- A. SAP reference
- B. SAP APIs
- C. SAP administration
Show answer
A. SAP reference
This lesson sits in the SAP reference section of the Learn SAP course.

Frequently asked questions

What does the term Messages refer to in SAP?

SAP messages are the system’s coded notifications, errors, warnings, information, each with a class and number. This reference explains understanding and finding them.

Which transaction codes come up with Messages?

Double-click a message (or use the long text) to see details/cause. Use SE91 to view message classes and texts. Note the class + number to search SAP Notes/help for known issues.

What else is worth knowing about Messages?

Messages are how SAP tells you what is wrong; reading them precisely (class + number + text) is the fastest route to a cause, and message references are heavily searched when troubleshooting.

What tends to go wrong with Messages?

Guessing instead of using the reference tools. Editing/using without understanding the object. Relying on memory for details you can look up.