How To Fix DBOSC242 - Filter field &1: wildcard filters only valid for character-like fields

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: DBOSC -

• Message number: 242

• Message text: Filter field &1: wildcard filters only valid for character-like fields

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message DBOSC242 - Filter field &1: wildcard filters only valid for character-like fields ?

  The SAP error message DBOSC242 indicates that there is an issue with the use of wildcard filters in a database query. Specifically, the error states that wildcard filters (like % or *) can only be applied to character-like fields (such as CHAR, VARCHAR, etc.) and not to numeric or date fields.
  Cause:
  The error occurs when a wildcard filter is applied to a field that does not support it. For example, if you are trying to filter a numeric field using a wildcard, SAP will throw this error because wildcards are not valid for numeric data types.
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check the Field Type: Verify the data type of the field you are trying to filter. Ensure that it is a character-like field (CHAR, VARCHAR, etc.) if you intend to use wildcards.
  
  
  Modify the Query: If the field is numeric or of another incompatible type, you will need to modify your query to remove the wildcard filter. Instead, use exact matches or range conditions that are appropriate for the data type.
  
  
  Use Appropriate Filters: For numeric fields, consider using comparison operators (e.g., =, >, <, >=, <=) instead of wildcards. For date fields, use date range filters.
  
  
  Review Documentation: If you are unsure about the data types or how to structure your query, refer to the SAP documentation or the data dictionary (SE11) to understand the field definitions.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Data Types in SAP: Familiarize yourself with the different data types in SAP and their characteristics. This will help you understand where wildcards can be used.
  SQL Syntax: If you are writing SQL queries, ensure you are using the correct syntax for filtering based on the data type.
  SAP Community: If you continue to face issues, consider reaching out to the SAP Community or forums for additional support and examples from other users who may have encountered similar issues.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the DBOSC242 error and successfully execute your query without issues.