How To Fix ACM_SYNTAX160 - A LIKE condition can only be used with character-like fields

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: ACM_SYNTAX - ACM: DCL Syntax Error Messages

• Message number: 160

• Message text: A LIKE condition can only be used with character-like fields

Self-Explanatory Message

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• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message ACM_SYNTAX160 - A LIKE condition can only be used with character-like fields ?

  The SAP error message ACM_SYNTAX160 indicates that there is an issue with the use of the LIKE condition in your ABAP code. Specifically, this error occurs when you attempt to use the LIKE operator with a field that is not character-like (i.e., it is not a string or character data type).
  Cause:
  The LIKE operator is designed to compare character-like fields (such as CHAR, STRING, or VARCHAR). If you try to use it with numeric fields or other non-character types, you will encounter this error. For example, using LIKE with a field of type INT or FLOAT will trigger this error.
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you should ensure that the field you are using with the LIKE operator is indeed a character-like field. Here are some steps you can take:
  
  
  Check Data Types: Review the data types of the fields involved in the LIKE condition. Make sure that both the field being compared and the value it is being compared to are character-like.
  
  
  Convert Data Types: If you need to compare a non-character field with a string, consider converting the non-character field to a character type using the CONCATENATE or WRITE statement, or by using the CAST operator if applicable.
  Example:
  DATA: lv_number TYPE i,
        lv_string TYPE string.
  
  lv_number = 123.
  lv_string = lv_number.
  
  IF lv_string LIKE '12%'.
    " Your logic here
  ENDIF.
  
  
  Use Appropriate Operators: If you are working with numeric fields, consider using comparison operators such as =, >, <, etc., instead of LIKE.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  ABAP Data Types: Familiarize yourself with the different data types in ABAP, especially character-like types (CHAR, STRING, etc.) and numeric types (INT, FLOAT, etc.).
  Documentation: Refer to the official SAP documentation for more details on the LIKE operator and its usage.
  Debugging: Use the ABAP debugger to step through your code and inspect the data types of the variables involved in the LIKE condition.
  
  By ensuring that you are using the LIKE operator correctly with character-like fields, you should be able to resolve the ACM_SYNTAX160 error.