How To Fix DO425 - Search help assignment not allowed for reference types

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: DO - Dictionary: Mass activation of domains and data elements

• Message number: 425

• Message text: Search help assignment not allowed for reference types

What causes this issue?

INCLUDE DDDOC_DTEL_REFTYPE_RESTRIKT OBJECT DOKU ID TX
You assigned a search help to a data element with reference type.

System Response

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

How to fix this error?

Remove the assigned search help or define the data type attributes of
the data element by specifying a domain or with direct type entry
(direct entry of the data type, number of places and if necessary
decimal places).

Procedure for System Administrators

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message DO425 - Search help assignment not allowed for reference types ?

  The SAP error message DO425, which states "Search help assignment not allowed for reference types," typically occurs when you are trying to assign a search help to a reference type in the Data Dictionary (DDIC) that does not support it. Reference types in ABAP are used to define data types that refer to other data types, such as classes or interfaces, and they do not support search helps in the same way that elementary types do.
  Cause:
  
  Reference Type Usage: The error arises when you attempt to assign a search help to a field that is defined as a reference type (like a class or interface).
  Inappropriate Context: Search helps are designed to work with elementary data types (like CHAR, NUMC, etc.) and not with complex types or reference types.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Data Type: Ensure that the field you are trying to assign the search help to is of an elementary data type. If it is a reference type, you will need to change the data type to an appropriate elementary type.
  Use Alternative Approaches: If you need to use a search help with a reference type, consider using a different approach, such as:
  
  Implementing a custom selection screen or dialog that allows users to select from the available instances of the reference type.
  Using a function module or method that retrieves the necessary data based on user input.
  
  
  Review Search Help Assignment: If you are working with a structure or table that contains reference types, ensure that you are only assigning search helps to the appropriate fields.
  
  Related Information:
  
  ABAP Data Dictionary: Familiarize yourself with the Data Dictionary in SAP, which defines the structure of data in the system, including tables, views, data elements, domains, and search helps.
  Search Helps: Understand how search helps work in SAP, including how to create and assign them to fields of elementary types.
  Reference Types in ABAP: Review the concept of reference types in ABAP, including classes, interfaces, and how they differ from elementary types.
  
  If you continue to face issues, consider consulting SAP documentation or reaching out to your SAP support team for further assistance.