How To Fix DT278 - Only use types whose component fields do not contain '-'

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

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

• Message number: 278

• Message text: Only use types whose component fields do not contain '-'

What causes this issue?

According to the SAP naming convention, the character '-' is not
allowed within an object name. Existing fields containing this
character are accepted nevertheless.
With the introduction of type definitions in the ABAP Dictionary, the
use of '-' in field names can be ambiguous. 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 the field B-C of structure X or component
C of structure B of X.
Structures with '-' in the field name can only be accessed in ABAP
programs with LIKE and not with TYPE. Structures in which fields
contain structures cannot be used only with TYPE.
In this structure, you therefore cannot use a new field with structured
type in which a component field contains the character '-'.

How to fix this error?

Do not use field(s) with structured type or use only structured types
whose component fields do not contain '-'.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message DT278 - Only use types whose component fields do not contain '-' ?

  The SAP error message DT278, which states "Only use types whose component fields do not contain '-'", typically occurs when you are working with data types in ABAP (Advanced Business Application Programming) that have component names containing a hyphen ('-'). In ABAP, hyphens are not allowed in the names of structure components or data elements.
  Cause:
  The error is caused by the use of a data type or structure that has component names with hyphens. This can happen if:
  
  You are trying to define a structure or a table type that includes fields with hyphens in their names.
  You are using a data dictionary object (like a table or structure) that has been defined incorrectly.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you need to ensure that all component names in your structures or data types do not contain hyphens. Here are the steps you can take:
  
  
  Check Data Definitions: Review the definitions of the structures or data types you are using. Look for any component names that include a hyphen and rename them to use valid characters (letters, numbers, and underscores).
  
  
  Modify Data Dictionary Objects: If the error is related to a database table or structure defined in the Data Dictionary (SE11), you will need to:
  
  Go to transaction SE11.
  Find the table or structure in question.
  Change the component names to remove any hyphens.
  Activate the changes.
  
  
  
  Update ABAP Code: If your ABAP code references any structures or types with hyphens, update the code to use the corrected names.
  
  
  Testing: After making the changes, test your program or report to ensure that the error is resolved.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Naming Conventions: In ABAP, valid names for data elements and structure components can include letters (A-Z, a-z), numbers (0-9), and underscores (_). Avoid using special characters like hyphens, spaces, or other punctuation marks.
  Data Dictionary: Familiarize yourself with the SAP Data Dictionary (transaction SE11) to understand how to define and manage data types and structures properly.
  ABAP Documentation: Refer to the official SAP ABAP documentation for best practices on naming conventions and data type definitions.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the DT278 error and ensure that your ABAP code adheres to the naming conventions required by the SAP system.