How To Fix DO854 - Default key is empty (no characterlike fields in row type)

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

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

• Message number: 854

• Message text: Default key is empty (no characterlike fields in row type)

What causes this issue?

The default key of a table type comprises all the character-like fields
of the row of the table. It may not be empty. The default key is empty
since the row type (structure) does not contain any character-like
fields.

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?

Procedure for System Administrators

Choose a different <DS:TX.DDDOC_KEYDEF>key</> or a
<DS:TX.DDDOC_ROWTYPE> row type</> that contains character-like fields.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message DO854 - Default key is empty (no characterlike fields in row type) ?

  The SAP error message DO854 ("Default key is empty (no character-like fields in row type)") typically occurs in the context of data processing or when working with certain data structures in ABAP (Advanced Business Application Programming). This error indicates that the system is expecting a default key for a data structure, but it cannot find any character-like fields in the specified row type.
  Cause:
  
  Empty Key Fields: The data structure being processed does not contain any character-like fields that can be used as a key. This can happen if the structure is defined incorrectly or if it is not populated with the necessary data.
  Incorrect Data Type: The row type may be defined with fields that are not character-like (e.g., numeric fields), which are not suitable for use as keys.
  Data Structure Definition: The definition of the internal table or structure may be missing the necessary fields that are expected to be used as keys.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Data Structure: Review the definition of the internal table or structure that is causing the error. Ensure that it includes at least one character-like field (e.g., CHAR, STRING, etc.) that can serve as a key.
  Populate Key Fields: If the structure is defined correctly, ensure that the relevant fields are populated with data before the operation that triggers the error.
  Modify Code: If the data structure is being dynamically created or modified, ensure that the logic correctly includes character-like fields when defining the row type.
  Debugging: Use debugging tools in SAP to trace the execution and identify where the data structure is being defined and populated. This can help pinpoint the exact cause of the empty key.
  
  Related Information:
  
  ABAP Data Types: Familiarize yourself with the different data types in ABAP, especially character-like types, to ensure proper structure definitions.
  SAP Documentation: Refer to SAP's official documentation for more details on data structures, internal tables, and error handling in ABAP.
  Community Forums: Check SAP community forums or Stack Overflow for similar issues and solutions shared by other developers.
  
  By addressing the above points, you should be able to resolve the DO854 error and ensure that your data structures are correctly defined and populated.