How To Fix DA167 - Row &1: Illegal identifier '&2' in control structure

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: DA - Dictionary: Compare, distribution, timer, instantiation

• Message number: 167

• Message text: Row &1: Illegal identifier '&2' in control structure

What causes this issue?

The specified identifier for the controlling printout of a control
structure is not correct.

System Response

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

How to fix this error?

Use a legal identifier.
An identifier consists of alphanumeric characters and '_/-%' and may
not begin with a numeric character. It must be on line line and have a
'$' at the beginning and end. You cannot prevent a line feed with '\'.

Procedure for System Administrators

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message DA167 - Row &1: Illegal identifier '&2' in control structure ?

  The SAP error message DA167 indicates that there is an illegal identifier in a control structure, specifically in the context of ABAP programming. This error typically arises when the program encounters an identifier that does not conform to the expected syntax or naming conventions.
  Cause:
  
  
  Invalid Identifier: The identifier specified in the error message (&2) is not valid. This could be due to:
  
  Using special characters that are not allowed.
  Starting the identifier with a number.
  Exceeding the maximum length for identifiers.
  Using reserved keywords or names that conflict with existing objects.
  
  
  
  Control Structure Issues: The error may occur within control structures such as loops, conditional statements, or case statements where the identifier is expected to be defined or declared properly.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Identifier Syntax: Review the identifier mentioned in the error message. Ensure that it adheres to the naming conventions:
  
  Must start with a letter (A-Z or a-z).
  Can contain letters, numbers (0-9), and underscores (_).
  Should not exceed the maximum length (typically 30 characters).
  
  
  
  Correct Control Structure: Ensure that the control structure is correctly defined. For example:
  
  If using a loop, ensure that the loop variable is declared properly.
  If using a conditional statement, ensure that the conditions are valid and that the identifiers used are defined in the appropriate scope.
  
  
  
  Avoid Reserved Keywords: Make sure that the identifier does not conflict with any reserved keywords in ABAP.
  
  
  Debugging: If the error persists, use debugging tools to trace the execution of the program and identify where the illegal identifier is being referenced.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Refer to the SAP documentation or ABAP programming guidelines for more information on naming conventions and control structures.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  ABAP Naming Conventions: Familiarize yourself with the naming conventions in ABAP to avoid similar issues in the future.
  Control Structures in ABAP: Review the syntax and usage of control structures in ABAP to ensure proper implementation.
  SAP Community and Forums: If you are unable to resolve the issue, consider reaching out to the SAP community or forums for additional support and insights from other developers.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the cause of the DA167 error in your SAP ABAP program.