How To Fix DO857 - Standard key is empty (table type is row type)

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

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

• Message number: 857

• Message text: Standard key is empty (table type is row type)

What causes this issue?

If the row type of a table type is a table type, the default key is
empty. The default key may only be empty for standard tables.
You defined the default key as key although a table type is defined as
row type, but the access mode is not defined to be standard table.

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?

Define a valid key or another row type that is not a table type, or
define the access mode to be standard table.

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 DO857 - Standard key is empty (table type is row type) ?

  The SAP error message DO857, which states "Standard key is empty (table type is row type)," typically occurs in the context of ABAP programming, particularly when dealing with internal tables and their definitions. This error indicates that a standard key is expected for a table type that is defined as a row type, but it has not been provided.
  Cause:
  
  Table Type Definition: The internal table is defined as a row type, which means it should have a standard key (primary key) defined. If the key is not specified, the system raises this error.
  Data Declaration: When declaring an internal table, if the key fields are not defined properly, or if the table is declared without a key when it is expected to have one, this error can occur.
  Inconsistent Data Model: The data model may not be consistent with the expected structure, leading to the absence of a standard key.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Define a Standard Key: Ensure that the internal table is defined with a standard key. You can do this by specifying the key fields in the table type definition. For example:
  TYPES: BEGIN OF ty_example,
           field1 TYPE string,
           field2 TYPE i,
         END OF ty_example.
  
  TYPES: tt_example TYPE SORTED TABLE OF ty_example WITH UNIQUE KEY field1.
  In this example, field1 is defined as the unique key for the sorted table.
  
  
  Check Table Type Declaration: Review the declaration of the internal table and ensure that it matches the expected structure. If you are using a standard table type, make sure it is defined correctly with the necessary key fields.
  
  
  Use Appropriate Table Types: If you do not need a key, consider using a standard table type without a key. For example:
  TYPES: tt_example TYPE TABLE OF ty_example.
  
  
  Review Data Processing Logic: If the error occurs during data processing (e.g., during INSERT or UPDATE operations), ensure that the logic adheres to the defined structure of the internal table.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  ABAP Documentation: Refer to the official SAP ABAP documentation for more details on internal tables, their types, and how to define keys.
  SAP Community: Engage with the SAP Community forums for discussions and solutions related to similar issues.
  Debugging: Use the ABAP debugger to trace the point of failure and inspect the internal table's structure and data at runtime.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the DO857 error and ensure that your internal table is correctly defined and utilized in your ABAP programs.