How To Fix DDLS240 - CASE (&): & does not return a valid type

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: DDLS - For DDL source handling

• Message number: 240

• Message text: CASE (&): & does not return a valid type

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message DDLS240 - CASE (&): & does not return a valid type ?

  The SAP error message DDLS240 indicates that there is an issue with a CASE statement in your ABAP code or SQL query. Specifically, the message states that the CASE statement does not return a valid type. This typically occurs when the data types of the different branches of the CASE statement do not match or are not compatible.
  Cause:
  
  Mismatched Data Types: The expressions in the CASE statement must return values of the same data type. If one branch returns a string and another returns a number, this error will occur.
  Invalid CASE Structure: The structure of the CASE statement may not be correctly defined, leading to confusion in type resolution.
  Null Values: If any of the branches can potentially return a NULL value, it may lead to type inconsistencies.
  Database Field Types: If the CASE statement is used in a database context, the fields being compared or returned must be compatible with the database schema.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Data Types: Ensure that all branches of the CASE statement return values of the same data type. You may need to cast or convert values to ensure compatibility.
  CASE field_name.
    WHEN 'value1'.
      result = 'string_value1'.  " Ensure this is the same type as other branches
    WHEN 'value2'.
      result = 'string_value2'.
    WHEN OTHERS.
      result = 'default_value'.
  ENDCASE.
  
  Use Explicit Casting: If necessary, use explicit casting to convert values to a common type.
  result = CAST( type_name( CASE field_name
                              WHEN 'value1' THEN 'string_value1'
                              WHEN 'value2' THEN 'string_value2'
                              ELSE 'default_value'
                            ENDCASE ) ).
  
  Review CASE Structure: Ensure that the CASE statement is structured correctly and that all branches are accounted for.
  Debugging: If the error persists, use debugging tools to step through the code and inspect the values being processed in the CASE statement.
  
  Related Information:
  
  ABAP Documentation: Refer to the official SAP ABAP documentation for detailed information on the syntax and usage of CASE statements.
  Data Type Compatibility: Familiarize yourself with the data types used in your SAP system to avoid mismatches.
  SQL Queries: If the error occurs in SQL queries, ensure that the SQL syntax is correct and that the database fields being referenced are compatible.
  
  By addressing the data type mismatches and ensuring that the CASE statement is correctly structured, you should be able to resolve the DDLS240 error.