Canmore's Blog

The search phrases sap platin-gui freezes and use sapgui for java frequently appear in my server log files. However, as I used these in a different context, people will be disappointed once they discover that there are no articles concerning SAP GUI for Java except an installation guide for FreeBSD. This is obviously a matter of some importance, judging from the page hits, so I decided to do my part in the great struggle for bug-free software.

Using SAP GUI for Java

Let me answer the second search string first: Yes, you should use SAP GUI for Java. It is stable, secure and fast. SAP only lists a fraction of all Linux distributions in their Lifetime and Support Matrix for SAP GUI for Java. This is to ensure the highest standards of quality (in translation: SAP does not want to get sued into oblivion and must check that it really, really works at least with some operating systems. It not easy, given the myriad of system environments out there in the wild).

However, in almost all cases, SAP GUI for Java should run just fine under your personal Linux distribution of choice. So, on to the installation:

1. Download a recent Java Runtime Environment from Sun.
2. Download a recent version of SAP GUI for Java. Pick the jar-file that fits your operating system best.
3. Start the installation via java -jar PlatinGUI-Linux-710r9.jar (or execute the jar-file using another method of your choice).

You are done.

Solving problems with SAP GUI for Java

There are several things to do when the GUI freezes or hangs.

• Execute SAP GUI for Java from a terminal emulator. Use xterm or the likes. This allows you to view any error messages that might help to pinpoint problems within the source code.
• Try a different Java Runtime Environment. Install an older JRE (there is no need to remove the current one). Set the PLATIN_JAVA environment variable to the installation directory of the older JRE, for example by executing export PLATIN_JAVA=/usr/local/Java/jre1.6.0_11/bin/java and /opt/SAPClients/SAPGUI710rev9/bin/guilogon from a terminal.
• Try a different version of SAP GUI for Java. It is possible to install different versions in parallel. I would recommend this option especially if you are testing a new version for deployment.
• Check with a supported operating system. Take a look at the Lifetime and Support Matrix for SAP GUI for Java and set up a test environment. This should be your last resort, because in most cases, the problem does not depend on your operating system.
• Take a stack trace. If the GUI hangs, follow this very helpful article and create a stack trace. This diagnostical information is very helpful for SAP's support teams.

Reporting problems

In any case: You should always report your problems. SAP is very grateful for any feedback, even if it is in the form of debug information. You can use one of the following means of communication:

• Use the SDN Expert Forums (free registration required, section "Application Server—SAP GUI", for lesser problems, general questions or if you do not have an account for the SAP Service Marketplace.
• Create a bug report at SAP. Use BC-FES-JAV as the component.

Whatever you do, try to describe the problem as precisely as possible: Attach all debug information (stack traces, error messages etc.) and create a step-by-step reproduction scenario. The more information you provide, the less time your request will take.

This is, for example, a bad bug report:

hello, i get error in gui. please advise!

Whereas this is definitely better (of course, a step-by-step description would be best. System information is also not included, but at least, one could try to reproduce the problem now):

When I click the "delete world" button in transaction GOD, SAP GUI for Java throws a java.lang.NullPointerException. The operation will then be aborted.

Small disclaimer (thereby fulfilling SAP's guidelines for blogging): While I work at SAP, these opinions are my own. Especially the policy regarding unsupported operating systems.