How To Fix 57164 - References can only be assigned for direct value conversion

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: 57 - Component 709: Interface to external payroll system

• Message number: 164

• Message text: References can only be assigned for direct value conversion

Self-Explanatory Message

Since SAP believes that this specific error message is 'self-explanatory,' no more information has been given.The majority of messages in the SAP system have a message text, however this is frequently insufficient to comprehend or resolve the problem.

To make things easier, more detailed information is frequently added to describe the issue, how to fix it, and the necessary steps or configuration modifications.

Unfortunately, there isn't any extra information in this error notice.

What else can you do?

First, use our AnswerBot below to get a possible cause and solution (requires a premium subscription).

Also, review the in-depth Common Questions & Answers listed below; you could discover a solution there or be able to connect with others who have faced similar challenges.

You can also try searching the SAP support portal (support.sap.com) but you need a special user ID to access it. It is possible that an SAP support note exists that provides additional details about the mistake or even steps for fixing it.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message 57164 - References can only be assigned for direct value conversion ?

  The SAP error message 57164, "References can only be assigned for direct value conversion," typically occurs in the context of ABAP programming when there is an attempt to assign a reference to a variable that is not compatible with the expected data type or structure. This error often arises when dealing with data types that require direct value assignment rather than reference assignment.
  Cause:
  
  Incompatible Data Types: The error usually occurs when you are trying to assign a reference variable to a non-reference variable or when the types do not match.
  Direct Value Conversion: The system expects a direct value assignment, but the code is attempting to assign a reference type instead.
  Incorrect Use of Data References: If you are using data references (like DATA or FIELD-SYMBOLS) incorrectly, it can lead to this error.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Data Types: Ensure that the data types of the variables you are trying to assign are compatible. If you are assigning a reference, make sure the target variable is also a reference type.
  Use Correct Assignment: If you need to assign a reference, ensure that you are using the correct syntax for reference assignment. For example, use ASSIGN for field symbols or CREATE DATA for dynamic data references.
  Direct Value Assignment: If you need to perform a direct value assignment, ensure that you are not trying to assign a reference type to a non-reference type.
  Debugging: Use debugging tools to step through the code and identify where the assignment is failing. This can help you pinpoint the exact line causing the issue.
  
  Related Information:
  
  ABAP Documentation: Refer to the official SAP ABAP documentation for more details on data types and reference handling.
  SAP Community: Check forums and community discussions for similar issues and solutions shared by other developers.
  Code Review: Review your code for any potential logical errors or misassignments that could lead to this error.
  
  By ensuring that your variable types are compatible and using the correct assignment methods, you should be able to resolve the error message 57164 in SAP.