How To Fix DS173 - Specify a table as a prefix

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: DS - Messages for Editing Text Elements in ABAP Programs

• Message number: 173

• Message text: Specify a table as a prefix

What causes this issue?

The fields in the list for which you can generate details lists must be
Dictionary fields. You cannot generate details lists for internal
fields.
The field prefix must always be the table prefix, not a segment prefix
(i.e. LIFA-KTNRA, and not KA-KTNRA).

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?

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message DS173 - Specify a table as a prefix ?

  The SAP error message DS173, which states "Specify a table as a prefix," typically occurs in the context of Data Services (DS) when you are trying to reference a field or a column in a transformation or a query without properly qualifying it with a table name or alias. This is particularly relevant when working with SQL queries or data transformations where multiple tables may be involved.
  Cause:
  
  Unqualified Field Reference: The error usually arises when you reference a field without specifying which table it belongs to, especially in scenarios where there are multiple tables involved.
  Ambiguity: If there are fields with the same name in different tables, the system cannot determine which field you are referring to without a prefix.
  Incorrect Syntax: The syntax used in the transformation or query may not conform to the expected format, leading to this error.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Specify Table Prefix: Ensure that every field reference in your transformation or query is prefixed with the appropriate table name or alias. For example, instead of just using field_name, use table_name.field_name or alias.field_name.
  Example:
  SELECT a.field_name FROM table_a AS a
  JOIN table_b AS b ON a.id = b.id
  WHERE a.field_name = 'value'
  
  
  Check for Aliases: If you are using aliases for your tables, make sure to use the alias when referencing fields. This helps in avoiding ambiguity.
  
  
  Review the Query/Transformation Logic: Go through your SQL query or transformation logic to ensure that all field references are correctly qualified.
  
  
  Test Incrementally: If you are working with complex queries, try breaking them down into simpler parts to isolate the issue and ensure that each part is correctly referencing the fields.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Documentation: Refer to the SAP Data Services documentation for guidelines on writing SQL queries and transformations.
  Best Practices: Follow best practices for naming conventions and structuring your queries to minimize the chances of encountering such errors.
  Debugging Tools: Utilize debugging tools within SAP Data Services to trace and identify where the error is occurring in your data flow or transformation logic.
  
  By ensuring that all field references are properly qualified with their respective table names or aliases, you should be able to resolve the DS173 error.