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


DT278 - Overview

  • 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 '-'

  • 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 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

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