How To Fix E2194 - Inherited foreign key cannot be deleted

E2194 - Overview

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: E2 - DE Data Dictionary

• Message number: 194

• Message text: Inherited foreign key cannot be deleted

What causes this issue?

The foreign key is defined for a field of an include. The 'Inherited
from include' flag is set for the foreign key. The system copies the
definition of the foreign key from the include. Since the foreign key
is created in the include, it must also exist in the including table or
structure and is therefore not deleted.

System Response

The foreign key cannot be deleted.

How to fix this error?

You can only delete the foreign key once you have canceled the
'Inherited from include' flag.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message E2194 - Inherited foreign key cannot be deleted ?

  The SAP error message E2194, "Inherited foreign key cannot be deleted," typically occurs when you attempt to delete a foreign key relationship that is inherited from a parent table or structure. This situation arises in the context of database table definitions, particularly when working with ABAP Dictionary (SE11) or similar tools.
  
  Cause:
  
  Inherited Foreign Key: The foreign key you are trying to delete is not defined directly in the table you are working on but is inherited from a parent table. Inherited foreign keys are part of the table's structure and cannot be removed without addressing the parent table's definition.
  Referential Integrity: SAP enforces referential integrity, meaning that if a foreign key is being used to maintain relationships between tables, it cannot be deleted without ensuring that the integrity of the data is maintained.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Parent Table: Identify the parent table from which the foreign key is inherited. You can do this by checking