How To Fix 33204 - Default value &1 for field &2 can only be a SY- field or a literal

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: 33 - Contexts

• Message number: 204

• Message text: Default value &1 for field &2 can only be a SY- field or a literal

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message 33204 - Default value &1 for field &2 can only be a SY- field or a literal ?

  The SAP error message 33204 indicates that there is an issue with the default value assignment for a field in your ABAP program or configuration. Specifically, it states that the default value for the specified field can only be a system field (SY-field) or a literal value. This error typically arises when you attempt to assign a default value that does not meet these criteria.
  Cause:
  
  Invalid Default Value: The default value assigned to a field is neither a literal (like a string or number) nor a system field (like SY-DATUM, SY-UZEIT, etc.).
  Field Type Mismatch: The type of the default value does not match the expected type of the field.
  Incorrect Syntax: There may be a syntax error in the way the default value is defined.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Default Value Assignment: Review the code or configuration where the default value is being set. Ensure that the value is either a literal or a valid SY-field.
  
  Example of a valid literal: DEFAULT 'Some String'
  Example of a valid SY-field: DEFAULT SY-DATUM
  
  
  
  Correct Data Types: Ensure that the data type of the default value matches the data type of the field. If the field is of type CHAR, the default value should also be a character string.
  
  
  Use System Fields Appropriately: If you intend to use a system field, make sure you are referencing it correctly. For example, if you want to set a date field to the current date, use DEFAULT SY-DATUM.
  
  
  Review Documentation: If you are unsure about the field types or the expected values, refer to the SAP documentation or the data dictionary (SE11) for the specific field.
  
  
  Debugging: If the error persists, consider using debugging tools to trace the execution and identify where the incorrect default value is being set.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  ABAP Data Types: Familiarize yourself with the different data types in ABAP and their corresponding literals.
  SAP System Fields: Understand the various system fields available in SAP, as they can be useful for default values.
  Transaction Codes: Use transaction codes like SE80 (Object Navigator) or SE11 (Data Dictionary) to inspect the program or data element definitions.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the error message 33204 and ensure that your field default values are set correctly.