How To Fix C$738 - Expansion fence & is not allowed for symbol type &

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: C$ -

• Message number: 738

• Message text: Expansion fence & is not allowed for symbol type &

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 C$738 - Expansion fence & is not allowed for symbol type & ?

  The SAP error message C$738, which states "Expansion fence & is not allowed for symbol type &," typically occurs in the context of SAP ABAP programming, particularly when dealing with the use of expansion fences in the context of data types or structures.
  Cause:
  The error is generally caused by attempting to use an expansion fence (...) in a context where it is not permitted. Expansion fences are used in ABAP to denote a range of values or to expand internal tables, but they can only be used with certain data types or structures. If you try to use an expansion fence with a symbol type that does not support it, you will encounter this error.
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check Data Types: Ensure that the data type you are using with the expansion fence is compatible. Expansion fences are typically used with internal tables or structures that can be expanded. If you are using a simple variable or a type that does not support expansion, you will need to modify your code.
  
  
  Review the Code: Look at the specific line of code where the error occurs. Make sure that the syntax is correct and that you are using the expansion fence in a valid context. 
  
  
  Use Alternative Approaches: If the data type does not support expansion fences, consider using alternative methods to achieve your goal. For example, if you are trying to loop through an internal table, you can use a standard loop construct instead of an expansion fence.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Refer to the SAP ABAP documentation for more information on the specific data types and structures that support expansion fences. This can provide clarity on how to properly use them.
  
  
  Debugging: If you are still unsure, use debugging tools to step through your code and identify the exact point of failure. This can help you understand the context in which the error is occurring.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  ABAP Documentation: Check the official SAP documentation for ABAP programming to understand the rules and limitations regarding the use of expansion fences.
  SAP Community: Engage with the SAP Community forums or other developer communities where you can ask questions and share experiences related to ABAP programming and error handling.
  SAP Notes: Look for any relevant SAP Notes that might address this specific error or provide additional guidance on similar issues.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the error and implement a solution to resolve it.