DDLS400 - Function &(&) can only be used for columns of even length

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: DDLS - For DDL source handling

• Message number: 400

• Message text: Function &(&) can only be used for columns of even length

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 DDLS400 - Function &(&) can only be used for columns of even length ?

  The SAP error message DDLS400 indicates that there is an issue with the use of the function &(&) in a Data Definition Language (DDL) statement, specifically when it is applied to columns that do not meet the required length criteria. This error typically arises in the context of database table definitions or modifications.
  Cause:
  The error occurs because the function &(&) is designed to work only with columns that have an even length. If you attempt to use this function on a column with an odd length, SAP will raise the DDLS400 error. This is often seen in scenarios involving data types like CHAR, VARCHAR, or similar where the length of the column is critical.
  Solution:
  To resolve the DDLS400 error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check Column Lengths: Review the lengths of the columns in your DDL statement. Ensure that any column you are applying the &(&) function to has an even length.
  
  
  Modify Column Lengths: If you find that a column has an odd length, consider modifying the column definition to make it even. For example, if a column is defined as CHAR(5), you could change it to CHAR(6).
  
  
  Review Function Usage: Ensure that the use of the &(&) function is necessary for your use case. If it is not essential, consider removing it or replacing it with an alternative function that does not have this restriction.
  
  
  Test Changes: After making the necessary adjustments, re-run your DDL statement to verify that the error has been resolved.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Data Types: Familiarize yourself with the data types and their length requirements in SAP. Understanding how different data types behave can help prevent similar errors in the future.
  SAP Documentation: Refer to the official SAP documentation for more details on DDL statements and the specific functions available. This can provide insights into best practices and usage guidelines.
  Error Handling: Implement error handling in your DDL scripts to catch and log errors like DDLS400, which can help in troubleshooting and maintaining data integrity.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the DDLS400 error and successfully execute your DDL statements in SAP.