How To Fix FDT_CP_MSG235 - In CONTAINS function,column '&1' used in the second argument is invalid

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: FDT_CP_MSG -

• Message number: 235

• Message text: In CONTAINS function,column '&1' used in the second argument is invalid

Self-Explanatory Message

Since SAP believes that this specific error message is 'self-explanatory,' no more information has been given.The majority of messages in the SAP system have a message text, however this is frequently insufficient to comprehend or resolve the problem.

To make things easier, more detailed information is frequently added to describe the issue, how to fix it, and the necessary steps or configuration modifications.

Unfortunately, there isn't any extra information in this error notice.

What else can you do?

First, use our AnswerBot below to get a possible cause and solution (requires a premium subscription).

Also, review the in-depth Common Questions & Answers listed below; you could discover a solution there or be able to connect with others who have faced similar challenges.

You can also try searching the SAP support portal (support.sap.com) but you need a special user ID to access it. It is possible that an SAP support note exists that provides additional details about the mistake or even steps for fixing it.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message FDT_CP_MSG235 - In CONTAINS function,column '&1' used in the second argument is invalid ?

  The SAP error message FDT_CP_MSG235 indicates that there is an issue with the use of the CONTAINS function in a formula or expression, specifically regarding the second argument (column) being invalid. This error typically arises in the context of SAP's Field Data Tool (FDT) or similar environments where expressions are evaluated.
  Cause:
  The error occurs when:
  
  The column specified in the second argument of the CONTAINS function does not exist in the context where the function is being used.
  The column name may be misspelled or incorrectly referenced.
  The column may not be available in the data structure or context being evaluated (e.g., it might be part of a different dataset or not included in the current selection).
  The data type of the column may not be compatible with the CONTAINS function.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check Column Name: Verify that the column name specified in the second argument is spelled correctly and matches the actual column name in the data structure.
  
  
  Verify Column Existence: Ensure that the column exists in the context where the CONTAINS function is being used. You may need to check the data source or the structure of the dataset.
  
  
  Data Type Compatibility: Ensure that the data type of the column is compatible with the CONTAINS function. The CONTAINS function typically expects a string type for the column being searched.
  
  
  Context Check: If you are working with multiple datasets or contexts, ensure that you are referencing the correct dataset that includes the specified column.
  
  
  Review Documentation: Consult the SAP documentation or help resources for the specific version you are using to understand the expected syntax and usage of the CONTAINS function.
  
  
  Testing: If possible, test the expression with a different column that you know exists and is valid to see if the error persists.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  CONTAINS Function: This function is used to check if a specified string is contained within another string. The syntax typically looks like this: CONTAINS(string, substring).
  Field Data Tool (FDT): This is a tool used in SAP for managing and manipulating data fields, often used in the context of data extraction and reporting.
  Error Handling: Familiarize yourself with common error messages in SAP and how to troubleshoot them, as this can help in resolving similar issues in the future.
  
  If the issue persists after following these steps, consider reaching out to your SAP support team or consulting with a technical expert who can provide more specific guidance based on your system configuration and data structure.