How To Fix DT277 - Structure with '-' in field name cannot contain a structured type


DT277 - Overview

  • Message type: E = Error

  • Message class: DT - Table activation (incl. indexes)

  • Message number: 277

  • Message text: Structure with '-' in field name cannot contain a structured type

  • Show details Hide details
  • What causes this issue?

    According to the SAP naming convention, the character '-' is not
    allowed within an object name. Existing fields that already contain
    this character are accepted nevertheless.
    With the introduction of type definitions in the ABAP Dictionary, the
    use of '-' in field names can result in ambiguities. Example:
    X and Y are structures:
    X Fields Type Y Fields Type
    B Y C DTEL3
    B-C DTEL1 E DTEL4
    D DTEL2
    X-B-C is ambiguous. It can be either the field B-C of structure X or
    component C of structure B of X.
    Structures with '-' in field names can only be accessed in ABAP
    programs with LIKE, but not with TYPE. Structures in which fields also
    contain structures as type cannot be used only with TYPE.
    You therefore cannot use a new field with structured type in this
    structure.

    How to fix this error?

    Do not use the field(s) with structured type or replace the fields
    containing '-' with fields without this character.

    Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.


Smart SAP Assistant

  • What is the cause and solution for SAP error message DT277 - Structure with '-' in field name cannot contain a structured type ?
    The SAP error message DT277 indicates that there is an issue with the naming convention of a field in a structure. Specifically, it states that a structure cannot contain a field name that includes a hyphen ('-'). This is a restriction in SAP's data dictionary, as hyphens are not allowed in field names.
    
    Cause: The error occurs when you attempt to define a structure in the ABAP Dictionary (SE11) or when you are working with data types that include field names with hyphens. This can happen during the creation of a new structure or when modifying an existing one.
    Solution: To resolve this error, you need to rename the field that contains the hyphen. Here are the steps you can follow: Identify the Structure: Determine which structure is causing the error. This can usually be found in the error message details or by checking the code where the structure is being used. Modify the Field Name: Go

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