How To Fix 5W138 - Recursion check: & cannot be assigned

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: 5W - Messages for PD (Particularly Workflow)

• Message number: 138

• Message text: Recursion check: & cannot be assigned

What causes this issue?

When a task group is assigned to a different task group or role, the
system determines whether the object to be assigned (which can also
contain other objects) triggers recursion.
This is the case if creating the relationship leads to the same task
group occurring more than once in a hierarchical structure.

System Response

The system prevents you from creating the relationship.

How to fix this error?

Make sure that the object to be assigned, and/or its hierarchically
subordinate objects, do not occur in the object hierarchy currently
being processed.

Procedure for System Administrators

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 5W138 - Recursion check: & cannot be assigned ?

  The SAP error message 5W138, which states "Recursion check: & cannot be assigned," typically occurs in the context of ABAP programming when there is an attempt to assign a value to a variable that leads to a recursive situation. This can happen when a variable is defined in such a way that its assignment depends on itself, either directly or indirectly, which can lead to infinite loops or stack overflow errors.
  Cause:
  
  Direct Recursion: The variable is being assigned a value that directly references itself.
  Indirect Recursion: The variable is assigned a value that references another variable, which in turn references the original variable.
  Improper Logic: The logic in the program may be flawed, leading to unintended recursive assignments.
  
  Solution:
  
  Review Variable Assignments: Check the code where the variable is being assigned. Ensure that the assignment does not directly or indirectly reference itself.
  Refactor Code: If recursion is necessary for your logic, consider refactoring the code to avoid direct assignments. You might need to use temporary variables or change the logic to prevent recursion.
  Use Loops Carefully: If the recursion is intended, ensure that you are using loops or function calls correctly to avoid infinite recursion.
  Debugging: Use debugging tools in SAP to step through the code and identify where the recursion is occurring. This can help you pinpoint the exact line causing the issue.
  
  Related Information:
  
  ABAP Programming: Understanding the basics of ABAP programming and variable scope can help prevent such errors.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes and documentation for any updates or patches related to this error message.
  Community Forums: Engage with SAP community forums or support channels for additional insights and solutions from other developers who may have encountered similar issues.
  
  By addressing the root cause of the recursion and refactoring the code accordingly, you should be able to resolve the error message 5W138.