How To Fix DO881 - Table type is defined recursively

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

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

• Message number: 881

• Message text: Table type is defined recursively

What causes this issue?

A table type may not be defined recursively, that is it may not use any
other table type or structure which in turn uses the table type
directly or indirectly.
You defined the table type recursively.

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?

Correct the recursion in the definition of the table type. For example
you can use another row type which does not use the table type directly
or indirectly.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message DO881 - Table type is defined recursively ?

  The SAP error message DO881, which states "Table type is defined recursively," typically occurs when a table type in an ABAP program or data dictionary is defined in such a way that it references itself, either directly or indirectly. This can lead to infinite loops or excessive memory consumption, which is why SAP restricts such definitions.
  Cause:
  
  Direct Recursion: A table type is defined to include itself as a component. For example, if you have a table type that is defined as a table of itself.
  Indirect Recursion: A table type references another table type, which in turn references the first table type, creating a circular reference.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you need to modify the table type definition to eliminate the recursive reference. Here are steps you can take:
  
  
  Review the Table Type Definition: Check the definition of the table type in the ABAP Dictionary (SE11) or in the relevant ABAP code. Look for any self-references or circular references.
  
  
  Redesign the Structure: If the table type needs to represent hierarchical data (like a tree structure), consider using a different approach, such as:
  
  Using a separate structure to represent the hierarchy.
  Using a parent-child relationship with an additional field to indicate the parent ID.
  Using a different data structure that does not require recursion.
  
  
  
  Test the Changes: After modifying the table type, ensure to test the changes thoroughly to confirm that the error is resolved and that the new structure meets the requirements of your application.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  ABAP Dictionary: You can access the ABAP Dictionary using transaction code SE11 to view and modify table types.
  Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for guidelines on defining table types and structures.
  Performance Considerations: Recursive structures can lead to performance issues, so it's essential to design data structures that are efficient and avoid unnecessary complexity.
  
  If you continue to face issues after making changes, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or consulting with an experienced ABAP developer for further assistance.