How To Fix 37838 - Do you want the element to have an ABAP Dictionary reference

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: 37 - Screen Painter

• Message number: 838

• Message text: Do you want the element to have an ABAP Dictionary reference

What causes this issue?

The name that you entered is that of a type defined in the ABAP
Dictionary (for example, that of a table field).

System Response

The system allows you to define the element with reference to the ABAP
Dictionary type. Alternatively, you can still define it as an ordinary
program field. If you create the link to the ABAP Dictionary, the
attributes defined in the Dictionary definition (format, length, plus
any text and search helps), are adopted by the screen element and used
at runtime. If you do not use an ABAP Dictionary reference, you must
define all of these attributes yourself.

How to fix this error?

Choose "Yes" if you want to use an ABAP Dictionary reference, or "No"
to create a normal program field. If you choose "Cancel", the name of
the element remains unchanged.

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message 37838 - Do you want the element to have an ABAP Dictionary reference ?

  The SAP error message 37838, which states "Do you want the element to have an ABAP Dictionary reference?", typically occurs in the context of ABAP programming when you are trying to define a data element or structure that is expected to reference an ABAP Dictionary object, but the system is prompting you for clarification on whether you want to create such a reference.
  Cause:
  This error usually arises in the following scenarios:
  
  Data Element Definition: When you are defining a new data element or structure in the ABAP Dictionary and the system detects that it could be linked to an existing Dictionary object (like a domain or data element).
  Inconsistent Definitions: If there is an inconsistency in how the data types are defined or if the system cannot automatically determine the reference to the Dictionary.
  User Input: The user may have inadvertently triggered the prompt by not providing sufficient information during the definition process.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can take the following steps:
  
  Confirm Reference: When prompted, decide whether you want the element to have a reference to an existing ABAP Dictionary object. If you do, confirm the reference.
  Create a New Data Element: If you do not want to reference an existing Dictionary object, you can choose to create a new data element or structure without a reference.
  Check Definitions: Review the definitions of the data elements and structures you are working with to ensure they are correctly defined and do not conflict with existing Dictionary objects.
  Use Transaction SE11: Go to transaction SE11 (ABAP Dictionary) and check the definitions of the data elements or structures involved. Make sure they are set up correctly.
  Consult Documentation: If you are unsure about the implications of creating a reference, consult the SAP documentation or help resources for guidance on ABAP Dictionary objects.
  
  Related Information:
  
  ABAP Dictionary: The ABAP Dictionary is a central repository in SAP that defines the structure of database tables, views, data elements, domains, and other objects.
  Data Elements and Domains: Data elements define the type of data that can be stored in a field, while domains define the technical attributes of the data (like data type, length, and value range).
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as SE11 (ABAP Dictionary), SE80 (Object Navigator), and SE37 (Function Module) for managing and troubleshooting ABAP objects.
  
  If the issue persists after following these steps, consider reaching out to your SAP Basis or ABAP development team for further assistance.