Transaction ST22

 As of Saturday, June 21, 2025, at 11:30:53 AM IST, let's explore transaction ST22 (ABAP Dumps) in detail.

Transaction ST22 (ABAP Dumps) in SAP Basis

ST22 is an indispensable transaction for SAP Basis administrators and ABAP developers. It's the primary tool for analyzing ABAP short dumps, which are runtime errors that occur in ABAP programs. Understanding and effectively using ST22 is crucial for troubleshooting system stability, identifying performance bottlenecks, and supporting application teams.

I. What is an ABAP Short Dump?

An ABAP short dump is an error message and a detailed diagnostic report generated by the ABAP runtime environment when an ABAP program terminates unexpectedly due to an unhandled exception or an invalid state. When a dump occurs, the running transaction or process is immediately terminated, and ST22 captures the entire context of the error.

Common Reasons for Dumps:

• Syntax Errors: Though often caught at activation, some dynamic syntax errors can lead to dumps.
• Logical Errors: Infinite loops, incorrect calculations, or invalid data manipulations.
• Database Errors: Attempts to access non-existent tables, insufficient authorizations, or database-level inconsistencies.
• Resource Exhaustion: Running out of memory (e.g., TSV_TNEW_PAGE_ALLOC_FAILED), time limits (e.g., TIME_OUT), or database space.
• Invalid Data: Passing incorrect data types or values to functions/methods.
• Missing Authorizations: A user or program trying to perform an action for which it lacks authorization (e.g., DYNPRO_SYNTAX_ERROR due to missing authorization for a screen component).
• System Inconsistencies: Errors arising from incorrect configuration, failed transports, or patching issues.

II. Accessing and Navigating ST22

1. Transaction Code: Type ST22 in the SAP command field and press Enter.

2. Initial Screen - Selection Criteria:

   • The initial screen allows you to filter the short dumps based on various criteria.
   • "Today" / "Yesterday" / "Last Week" / "All": Common time filters.
   • "Date": Specific date range.
   • "Time": Specific time range (useful for pinpointing a dump that occurred during a known event).
   • "User Name": The user under which the program was running.
   • "ABAP Program": The specific ABAP program that caused the dump.
   • "Transaction": The transaction being executed when the dump occurred.
   • "Error Class / Exception": The type of runtime error (e.g., MESSAGE_TYPE_X, DBIF_RSQL_SQL_ERROR, TSV_TNEW_PAGE_ALLOC_FAILED).
   • "Terminal": The terminal from which the user was logged on.
   • "Process ID": The work process ID that encountered the dump.
   • "Client": The client in which the dump occurred.
   • "Job Name": If the dump occurred in a background job.
   • Click "Execute" (F8) to display the dump list.

3. Dump List Screen:

   • Displays a list of dumps matching your criteria.
   • Key columns:
     • Date / Time: When the dump occurred.
     • User: User who executed the program.
     • Runtime Error: The specific type of dump (e.g., MESSAGE_TYPE_X).
     • ABAP Program: The program where the error occurred.
     • Transaction: The transaction where the dump happened.
     • Client: The client ID.
     • Short Text: A brief description of the dump.
   • Double-click on a dump entry to view its detailed analysis.

III. Analyzing a Detailed ABAP Dump

When you double-click on a dump, ST22 presents a comprehensive report, broken down into several sections. This is where the real troubleshooting begins.

1. What happened? (Short Text / Error Analysis):

   • This is your starting point. It provides a concise summary of the error, the program name, and the specific event that led to the dump.
   • Example: "MESSAGE_TYPE_X - Termination due to an uncaught exception."

2. Error Analysis (Detailed Explanation):

   • Offers a more detailed explanation of the dump type, including possible causes and hints for resolution. This section is highly valuable for understanding the technical nature of the error.

3. How to correct the error:

   • Provides standard advice on how to proceed. It might suggest checking customizing, notes, or contacting SAP support.

4. Information on Termination:

   • Runtime Errors: The specific error class (e.g., DBIF_RSQL_SQL_ERROR).
   • Exception: The ABAP exception that was raised.
   • Program: The name of the ABAP program that terminated.
   • Screen Name / Screen Number: If the dump occurred during screen processing.
   • Module Name: The specific part of the kernel code that raised the error.
   • Line: The exact line number in the program where the error occurred (extremely helpful for developers).

5. Calling Program / Function / Method / Event:

   • Shows the call stack – the sequence of programs, function modules, and methods that were active leading up to the dump. This helps trace the execution flow and identify the origin of the problem.
   • Double-click on lines in the call stack to navigate directly to the source code of the programs/functions (if you have debug authorization).

6. Source Code Extract:

   • Displays the relevant section of the ABAP code where the dump occurred, with the problematic line highlighted. This is invaluable for ABAP developers to pinpoint the exact issue.

7. Contents of System Fields (SYST structure):

   • Shows the values of important system fields (sy-subrc, sy-msgid, sy-msgno, sy-msgty, sy-msgv1-4, sy-uname, sy-tcode, sy-tabix, etc.) at the time of the dump. These fields often provide crucial context about the error.

8. Active Calls / Events:

   • Similar to the call stack but focuses more on active internal sessions and events.

9. Table Contents:

   • Shows the contents of important internal tables and variables that were active in the program context at the time of the dump. This can reveal corrupt data or unexpected values. (Access may be restricted by authorizations).

10. Used Memory:

    • Provides details about the memory consumption at the time of the dump. Crucial for MEMORY_NO_MORE_PAGING, TSV_TNEW_PAGE_ALLOC_FAILED, or TSV_TNEW_BLOCK_NO_ROLL_MEMORY dumps.

11. Client / User / Terminal / Session Data:

    • Contextual information about the user session when the dump occurred.

12. SAP Release / Operating System / Database System:

    • Technical environment details that might be relevant for notes or SAP support.

IV. Key Fields to Focus On for Troubleshooting

When analyzing a dump, prioritize these fields:

• "What happened?" / "Error Analysis": Understand the fundamental problem.
• "Runtime Error": The dump type (e.g., MESSAGE_TYPE_X, DBIF_RSQL_SQL_ERROR, TSV_TNEW_PAGE_ALLOC_FAILED, TIME_OUT). This helps categorize the issue.
• "ABAP Program": The exact program where the termination occurred.
• "Line": The specific line number in the ABAP program.
• "Source Code Extract": View the problematic code.
• "Contents of System Fields": Especially sy-msgid, sy-msgno, sy-msgv* (for messages), sy-subrc (for return codes), sy-tcode (transaction), sy-uname (user).
• "Calling Program / Function / Method": To understand the execution flow leading to the error.

V. Troubleshooting Workflow with ST22

1. Identify the Dump: Use ST22 selection criteria to find the relevant dump.
2. Read "What happened?" and "Error Analysis": Get a high-level understanding.
3. Note the Runtime Error Type: This categorizes the dump.
4. Check sy-msgid, sy-msgno, sy-msgv*: If it's a MESSAGE_TYPE_X dump, these fields will show the actual message that caused the termination. Search for this message in SE91 to find out where it originates.
5. Analyze Source Code and Call Stack: Pinpoint the exact line and the sequence of calls.
6. Search SAP Notes:
   • Use the Runtime Error (e.g., DBIF_RSQL_SQL_ERROR) and the ABAP Program name (e.g., SAPLXXXX) as keywords.
   • Add relevant message variables (sy-msgv*) if it's a MESSAGE_TYPE_X dump.
   • Search on SAP Support Launchpad for known issues and solutions.
7. Check for Recent Changes:
   • Has a transport just been imported? (STMS import logs)
   • Has a new program/enhancement been activated? (SE09/SE10 history)
   • Has a new patch/upgrade been applied? (SPAM/SAINT logs)
   • Have any system configurations been changed? (SCC4, RZ10, SM30)
8. Check User Authorizations: If the dump is authorization-related, check SU53 for the user who got the dump.
9. Check System Resources: For memory-related dumps (TSV_TNEW_PAGE_ALLOC_FAILED), check ST02 (buffer/memory), ST06 (OS resources), and profile parameters (e.g., abap/heap_area_total, ztta/roll_area, rdisp/ROLL_MAXFS, rdisp/PG_MAXFS).
10. Involve Developers/Functional Consultants: If the dump points to custom code or specific functional configuration, hand over the detailed dump analysis to the relevant application team. Provide the ST22 dump number for their direct access.
11. Open SAP Support Ticket (if necessary): If no existing SAP Note applies and the issue cannot be resolved internally, provide the full ST22 dump analysis (often as a PDF export or text copy) to SAP support.

VI. Important ST22 Menu Options

• List -> Export -> Save as Local File: Exports the dump analysis as a text file or HTML.
• List -> Print: Prints the dump.
• Goto -> Source Code: Navigates directly to the program source code (requires ABAP Workbench access).
• Help -> Application Help: Provides documentation on ST22.
• System -> List -> Save/Send: Allows saving the list of dumps.

VII. Best Practices for Basis Administrators

• Proactive Monitoring: Regularly check ST22 (daily or multiple times a day, especially after transports or critical business periods). Don't wait for users to report dumps.
• Alerting: Configure CCMS/Solution Manager alerts for critical ABAP dumps to get immediate notifications.
• Dump Retention: Manage dump retention periods. Dumps are stored in the database. Too many dumps can consume significant space. ST22 allows you to delete dumps. SAP recommends keeping dumps for a reasonable period (e.g., 1-2 weeks in production).
• Documentation: Document recurring dumps, their causes, and resolutions for future reference.

By mastering ST22, a Basis administrator transforms from a reactive troubleshooter into a proactive system guardian, quickly identifying and assisting in the resolution of critical ABAP runtime errors.