How To Fix E2212 - Table has a long field. It is not possible to create an append structure.

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: E2 - DE Data Dictionary

• Message number: 212

• Message text: Table has a long field. It is not possible to create an append structure.

What causes this issue?

The edited table has a long field, that is, a field of type VARC, LRAW
or LCHR with a length greater than 255. Such fields must be the very
last table field. Therefore, no APPEND structure can be added to the
table.

System Response

Creation of an APPEND structure was rejected.

How to fix this error?

You cannot create an APPEND structure for this table unless you first
delete the long field and then activate or adjust the table in the
database. Please note that data losses may occur.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message E2212 - Table has a long field. It is not possible to create an append structure. ?

  The SAP error message E2212 indicates that you are trying to create an append structure for a table that contains a long field (such as a field of type STRING, XSTRING, or a field with a length greater than 255 characters). In SAP, append structures cannot be created for tables that have long fields due to limitations in the way data is stored and managed.
  Cause:
  The primary cause of this error is the presence of a long field in the table you are trying to append to. Long fields are not compatible with the append structure mechanism in SAP, which is designed to add additional fields to a table without altering the original table structure.
  Solution:
  To resolve this issue, you have a few options:
  
  
  Avoid Append Structures: Instead of using an append structure, consider using a custom table to store the additional fields you need. You can create a new table that has a foreign key relationship with the original table.
  
  
  Use a Different Data Type: If possible, consider changing the long field to a shorter data type (e.g., CHAR or VARCHAR) if it fits your business requirements. This may not always be feasible, especially if the long field is essential for your application.
  
  
  Modify the Design: Re-evaluate the design of your data model. If you need to add fields to a table with long fields, you might need to redesign how you store and manage that data.
  
  
  Use Views: If you need to combine data from the original table and additional fields, consider creating a database view that includes both the original table and the new fields from a different table.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Documentation: Check the official SAP documentation for more details on append structures and limitations related to long fields.
  Data Dictionary (SE11): Use transaction SE11 to analyze the structure of the table and identify long fields.
  ABAP Development: If you are an ABAP developer, consider discussing with your team about the best approach to handle the data model and whether an alternative design can be implemented.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to address the E2212 error and find a suitable solution for your data model requirements.