How To Fix BA481 - Invalid type for parameter RECORD; use RECORD_REF

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: BA - Data Archiving

• Message number: 481

• Message text: Invalid type for parameter RECORD; use RECORD_REF

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message BA481 - Invalid type for parameter RECORD; use RECORD_REF ?

  The SAP error message BA481 "Invalid type for parameter RECORD; use RECORD_REF" typically occurs in the context of ABAP programming, particularly when dealing with function modules or methods that expect a reference to a record type rather than the record type itself.
  Cause:
  The error arises when you are trying to pass a structure or a table directly to a parameter that is defined to accept a reference to a structure or table (i.e., RECORD_REF). In ABAP, a RECORD_REF is a reference to a data object, while a structure or table is a concrete data object. The mismatch between the expected type (reference) and the provided type (value) leads to this error.
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you need to ensure that you are passing a reference to the record instead of the record itself. Here are the steps to do that:
  
  
  Declare a Reference Variable: Instead of declaring a variable of the structure type, declare a reference variable of the same type.
  DATA: lv_record TYPE your_structure_type,
        lr_record_ref TYPE REF TO your_structure_type.
  
  
  Assign the Structure to the Reference: Use the CREATE DATA statement to create a reference to the structure.
  CREATE DATA lr_record_ref.
  lv_record = 'Your data here'.
  ASSIGN lv_record TO FIELD-SYMBOL(<fs_record>).
  
  
  Pass the Reference: When calling the function module or method, pass the reference variable instead of the structure variable.
  CALL FUNCTION 'YOUR_FUNCTION_MODULE'
    EXPORTING
      RECORD = lr_record_ref.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  ABAP Data Types: Understanding the difference between value types and reference types in ABAP is crucial. Value types hold the actual data, while reference types point to the data.
  Field Symbols: Field symbols can be used to dynamically reference data objects in ABAP. They can be useful when working with references.
  Function Module Documentation: Always check the documentation of the function module or method you are using to understand the expected parameter types.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the BA481 error and successfully pass the required parameters to your function or method.