How To Fix DDLS343 - & is not supported as target type at CAST

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: DDLS - For DDL source handling

• Message number: 343

• Message text: & is not supported as target type at CAST

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 DDLS343 - & is not supported as target type at CAST ?

  The SAP error message DDLS343 typically indicates that there is an issue with a data type conversion in a SQL statement, particularly when using the CAST function. This error occurs when you attempt to cast a value to a target type that is not supported or incompatible with the source type.
  Cause:
  
  Incompatible Data Types: The most common cause of this error is trying to cast a data type that cannot be converted to the target type. For example, trying to cast a string to a numeric type when the string does not represent a valid number.
  Unsupported Types: Some data types may not be supported for casting in certain contexts. For instance, trying to cast a complex type or a user-defined type to a primitive type.
  Database Version: Different versions of the database may have different support for certain data types or casting operations.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Data Types: Review the data types involved in the CAST operation. Ensure that the source type can be converted to the target type. You can use the SELECT statement to check the actual data types of the columns or values you are working with.
  Example:
  SELECT DATA_TYPE FROM INFORMATION_SCHEMA.COLUMNS WHERE TABLE_NAME = 'your_table';
  
  
  Use Compatible Types: If the types are incompatible, consider using a different target type that is compatible with the source type. For example, if you are trying to cast a string to an integer, ensure that the string contains a valid integer value.
  
  
  Error Handling: Implement error handling in your SQL code to manage cases where the cast might fail. You can use conditional logic to check the validity of the data before attempting the cast.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Refer to the SAP documentation or the specific database documentation for the version you are using to understand the supported data types and casting rules.
  
  
  Testing: Test the casting operation with sample data to ensure that it works as expected before applying it to the entire dataset.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  CAST Function: The CAST function is used to convert a value from one data type to another. The syntax is generally:
  CAST(expression AS target_data_type)
  
  Data Type Compatibility: Familiarize yourself with the data types supported by your SAP database (e.g., HANA, ASE) and their compatibility for casting.
  SQL Functions: Explore other SQL functions that might be more appropriate for your needs, such as CONVERT, TRY_CAST, or similar functions that handle type conversion more gracefully.
  
  If you continue to encounter issues, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or consulting the SAP community for further assistance.