How To Fix DA517 - Full text index &-&: Changing a column causes DROP/CREATE Index

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

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

• Message number: 517

• Message text: Full text index &-&: Changing a column causes DROP/CREATE Index

What causes this issue?

A CHAR column of the table is being changed for which a full text index
is defined. However, the change to the column can only be made if the
index is deleted beforehand.

System Response

The index is deleted before execution of the statement for the column
and created again afterwards.

How to fix this error?

No action is necessary.

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 DA517 - Full text index &-&: Changing a column causes DROP/CREATE Index ?

  The SAP error message DA517 indicates that there is an issue related to the full-text index in the context of changing a column in a database table. This error typically arises when you attempt to modify a column that is part of a full-text index, which requires the index to be dropped and recreated. Here’s a breakdown of the cause, potential solutions, and related information:
  Cause:
  
  Column Modification: The error occurs when you try to change the definition of a column that is part of a full-text index. This could include changes like altering the data type, length, or nullability of the column.
  Full-Text Index Dependency: Full-text indexes are dependent on the structure of the columns they index. Any change to the column necessitates a drop and recreate of the index to maintain data integrity and performance.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Drop the Full-Text Index: Before making changes to the column, you can manually drop the full-text index associated with the column. After making the necessary changes, you can recreate the index.
  
  Use the appropriate SQL commands or SAP transaction codes to drop and recreate the index.
  
  
  
  Modify the Column: After dropping the index, proceed with the modification of the column as needed.
  
  
  Recreate the Full-Text Index: Once the column has been modified, recreate the full-text index to ensure that the full-text search functionality is restored.
  
  Ensure that the index is recreated with the same parameters as before to maintain performance.
  
  
  
  Check Dependencies: Before making changes, check for any dependencies or constraints that might be affected by the column change. This can help avoid unexpected issues.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any specific guidance or patches related to this error. SAP frequently updates its documentation and provides solutions for known issues.
  Database Documentation: Refer to the database documentation (e.g., HANA, Oracle, SQL Server) for details on how full-text indexes work and the implications of modifying indexed columns.
  Testing: Always test changes in a development or test environment before applying them to production to avoid downtime or data integrity issues.
  Backup: Ensure that you have a backup of your data before making structural changes to the database.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the DA517 error and successfully modify the column while maintaining the integrity of your full-text index.