SAP troubleshooting · LessonBy Arjun, SAP Solution Architect · Published · SAP S/4HANA 2023 · all levels
Dump analysis
ABAP short dumps are the detailed records of programs that terminated abnormally. Analysing them in ST22 is a fundamental SAP troubleshooting skill.
Quick answer
Most dumps in custom code trace to inefficient or unguarded logic (memory, timeouts, null access).
Key takeaways
- A user or job reports an error/crash; ST22 shows a short dump (runtime error) at that time.
- Open ST22, find the dump by time/user, and read it: the runtime error name, the error text, the exact source line, the variable…
- Program/logic errors (e.g. null reference, MESSAGE_TYPE_X).
- Watch out: Guessing instead of reading the log/dump.
Symptom
A user or job reports an error/crash; ST22 shows a short dump (runtime error) at that time.
Start here: read the evidence
Open ST22, find the dump by time/user, and read it: the runtime error name, the error text, the exact source line, the variable values and the call stack. The dump usually names the cause precisely.
Likely causes, in order
- Program/logic errors (e.g. null reference, MESSAGE_TYPE_X).
- TIME_OUT, a long-running online program (run in background).
- Memory errors (TSV_TNEW_PAGE_ALLOC_FAILED) from inefficient code.
- Configuration/data issues surfacing as exceptions.
How to fix it
- Read the runtime error name and source position.
- Search SAP Notes for the runtime error + program.
- Fix custom code, or apply the Note for standard code.
- Re-test and confirm no new dump.
Preventing recurrence
Most dumps in custom code trace to inefficient or unguarded logic (memory, timeouts, null access). Coding best practices (null checks, no SELECT-in-loop, background for long jobs) prevent the majority.
Common pitfalls
- Guessing instead of reading the log/dump.
- Fixing the symptom, not the root cause.
- Changing several things at once.
Practice challenge
+0 XPStreak ×0
Question 1 of 3
Which statement is true of Dump analysis?
Frequently asked questions
What does the term Dump analysis refer to in SAP?
ABAP short dumps are the detailed records of programs that terminated abnormally. Analysing them in ST22 is a fundamental SAP troubleshooting skill.
What is another point to note about Dump analysis?
Most dumps in custom code trace to inefficient or unguarded logic (memory, timeouts, null access).
What else is worth knowing about Dump analysis?
A user or job reports an error/crash; ST22 shows a short dump (runtime error) at that time.
What tends to go wrong with Dump analysis?
Guessing instead of reading the log/dump. Fixing the symptom, not the root cause. Changing several things at once.