How To Fix 37219 - Type change between text field and input/output field is not possible

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: 37 - Screen Painter

• Message number: 219

• Message text: Type change between text field and input/output field is not possible

What causes this issue?

One of the following has occurred:
You are editing a screen element with type input/output field
(template) and have entered a non-allowed character for the first
character of the template (not '_' or '?'.
You are editing a screen element with table text field (key word) and
have
entered a text containing only underscores '_'
entered '?' as the first element of the text.

System Response

If the text you entered begins with '_' and you are editing a text
field (key word), the system regards the leading underscore as
meaningless and deletes it.
The system then decides the type of the screen element from the first
remaining character:
'?' Obligatory input/output field
'_' Input/output field
Other Text field
The first character that you entered does not correspond to the current
type of the element.
Since implicit type switching is no longer supported from Release 3.0
onwards, the system does not accept your entry.

How to fix this error?

Check your entry. If you really want to change the element type, you
need to delete the element and recreate it.
For pushbuttons and boxes, you can also change the type by setting and
resetting the 'Output field' attribute. You do not then need to delete
and recreate the element.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message 37219 - Type change between text field and input/output field is not possible ?

  The SAP error message 37219, which states "Type change between text field and input/output field is not possible," typically occurs when there is an attempt to change the data type of a field in a way that is not allowed by the SAP system. This often happens in the context of data dictionary objects, such as tables or structures, where a field is defined as a text field (e.g., CHAR, STRING) and there is an attempt to change it to an input/output field (e.g., INT, DEC).
  Cause:
  
  Data Type Mismatch: The error arises when there is an inconsistency in the data types defined in the data dictionary. For example, if a field is defined as a text field and there is an attempt to use it as an input/output field in a program or function module.
  Field Definition Changes: If a field's definition is changed in a way that conflicts with its previous usage, such as changing a CHAR field to an INT field, this error can occur.
  Incompatible Field Types: The system does not allow certain types of conversions between fields, especially when they are used in different contexts (e.g., database tables vs. program variables).
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Field Definitions: Review the data dictionary (SE11) for the field in question. Ensure that the field's data type is appropriate for its intended use. If necessary, revert any recent changes that may have caused the issue.
  Adjust Program Logic: If the field is being used in a program, ensure that the program logic is consistent with the field's data type. Avoid using text fields where numeric input/output fields are expected.
  Data Type Conversion: If you need to convert data types, consider creating a new field with the desired data type instead of changing the existing field. This avoids conflicts and maintains data integrity.
  Consult Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or community forums for specific guidance on handling data type changes and best practices for field definitions.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: Use transaction codes like SE11 (Data Dictionary), SE80 (Object Navigator), and SE37 (Function Module) to investigate and modify field definitions.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message.
  Testing: After making changes, thoroughly test the affected programs or transactions to ensure that the error is resolved and that there are no unintended side effects.
  
  If the issue persists after following these steps, it may be beneficial to consult with an SAP Basis or ABAP developer for further assistance.