How To Fix DDLS258 - CAST is not supported for current expression, for ex., aggregate function

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: DDLS - For DDL source handling

• Message number: 258

• Message text: CAST is not supported for current expression, for ex., aggregate function

Self-Explanatory Message

Since SAP believes that this specific error message is 'self-explanatory,' no more information has been given.The majority of messages in the SAP system have a message text, however this is frequently insufficient to comprehend or resolve the problem.

To make things easier, more detailed information is frequently added to describe the issue, how to fix it, and the necessary steps or configuration modifications.

Unfortunately, there isn't any extra information in this error notice.

What else can you do?

First, use our AnswerBot below to get a possible cause and solution (requires a premium subscription).

Also, review the in-depth Common Questions & Answers listed below; you could discover a solution there or be able to connect with others who have faced similar challenges.

You can also try searching the SAP support portal (support.sap.com) but you need a special user ID to access it. It is possible that an SAP support note exists that provides additional details about the mistake or even steps for fixing it.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message DDLS258 - CAST is not supported for current expression, for ex., aggregate function ?

  The SAP error message DDLS258 indicates that there is an issue with the use of the CAST function in your SQL statement, particularly when it involves an aggregate function. This error typically arises in the context of ABAP Dictionary or when working with SQL views in SAP.
  Cause:
  The error occurs because the CAST function is not supported for certain expressions, especially when they involve aggregate functions. Aggregate functions (like SUM, AVG, COUNT, etc.) return a single value from a set of values, and attempting to cast the result of such functions directly can lead to this error.
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can consider the following approaches:
  
  
  Remove the CAST: If the data type of the aggregate function's result is already suitable for your needs, you may not need to cast it at all. Simply remove the CAST from your SQL statement.
  
  
  Use a Subquery: If you need to cast the result of an aggregate function, consider using a subquery. First, compute the aggregate in a subquery, and then apply the CAST in the outer query. For example:
  SELECT CAST(subquery.result AS desired_type)
  FROM (SELECT SUM(column_name) AS result FROM your_table) AS subquery
  
  
  Check Data Types: Ensure that the data types you are working with are compatible. Sometimes, you may need to adjust the data types in your database schema or the way you are querying the data.
  
  
  Review SQL Syntax: Make sure that your SQL syntax is correct and that you are not inadvertently trying to cast an unsupported expression.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Documentation: Refer to the SAP documentation for SQL syntax and the specific functions you are using. This can provide insights into the limitations and supported operations.
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that might address this specific error or provide additional context on the use of CAST with aggregate functions.
  Testing: Test your SQL queries in a development environment to isolate the issue and verify that your changes resolve the error without introducing new issues.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the DDLS258 error and successfully execute your SQL statements in SAP.