How To Fix DDLS142 - Identifiers, literals, and CASE are allowed in aggregate functions

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: DDLS - For DDL source handling

• Message number: 142

• Message text: Identifiers, literals, and CASE are allowed in aggregate functions

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message DDLS142 - Identifiers, literals, and CASE are allowed in aggregate functions ?

  The SAP error message DDLS142 indicates that there is an issue with the use of identifiers, literals, or the CASE statement within aggregate functions in your SQL query. This error typically arises when you are trying to use these elements in a way that is not permitted by the SQL syntax or the specific database rules.
  Cause:
  The error occurs when:
  
  You are using identifiers (like column names) or literals (constant values) directly within an aggregate function (like SUM, COUNT, AVG, etc.) in a way that is not allowed.
  You are trying to use a CASE statement inside an aggregate function incorrectly.
  
  Example of the Error:
  SELECT SUM(CASE WHEN column_name = 'value' THEN column_name ELSE 0 END) 
  FROM table_name;
  In this example, if column_name is not a numeric type, it could lead to the DDLS142 error.
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you should:
  
  Check the Syntax: Ensure that you are using the correct syntax for aggregate functions. Aggregate functions should only operate on numeric types or valid expressions.
  Use Valid Expressions: If you need to use a CASE statement, ensure that it returns a valid numeric type that can be aggregated.
  Separate Logic: If the logic is complex, consider breaking it down into subqueries or using Common Table Expressions (CTEs) to simplify the aggregation.
  
  Corrected Example:
  SELECT SUM(CASE WHEN column_name = 'value' THEN numeric_column ELSE 0 END) 
  FROM table_name;
  In this corrected example, numeric_column is a numeric type that can be summed.
  Related Information:
  
  Aggregate Functions: Functions that perform a calculation on a set of values and return a single value. Common aggregate functions include SUM, COUNT, AVG, MIN, and MAX.
  CASE Statement: A conditional expression that allows you to perform conditional logic in SQL queries.
  SQL Syntax: Always refer to the specific SQL dialect documentation for the database you are using, as there may be slight variations in syntax and allowed operations.
  
  If you continue to encounter issues, reviewing the specific SQL query and the context in which the error occurs can provide further insights into the problem.