How To Fix FIN_RE_PARSER039 - Regular Expression only possible on char-like types

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: FIN_RE_PARSER - FIN Rule Engine Parser Messages

• Message number: 039

• Message text: Regular Expression only possible on char-like types

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message FIN_RE_PARSER039 - Regular Expression only possible on char-like types ?

  The SAP error message FIN_RE_PARSER039 indicates that a regular expression operation is being attempted on a data type that is not compatible with character-like types. This typically occurs in scenarios where a regular expression is applied to a numeric or other non-character data type.
  Cause:
  The error is caused by trying to use a regular expression (regex) on a field or variable that is not of a character-like type (e.g., CHAR, STRING, etc.). Regular expressions are designed to work with strings, and if you attempt to apply them to other data types, SAP will raise this error.
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you should ensure that the data you are working with is of a character-like type before applying the regular expression. Here are some steps you can take:
  
  
  Check Data Types: Verify the data type of the variable or field you are trying to use with the regular expression. If it is not a character-like type, you will need to convert it.
  
  
  Convert Data Types: If the data is numeric or of another type, convert it to a string before applying the regex. You can use functions like CONCATENATE, WRITE, or STRING conversion methods to achieve this.
  Example:
  DATA: lv_number TYPE i VALUE 12345,
        lv_string TYPE string.
  
  lv_string = lv_number. " Convert to string
  IF lv_string CP '123*'. " Use regex or pattern matching
    " Your logic here
  ENDIF.
  
  
  Use Appropriate Functions: If you are working with numeric data and need to perform pattern matching, consider using functions that are designed for numeric types instead of regex.
  
  
  Debugging: If you are unsure where the error is occurring, use debugging tools to trace the data types being passed to the regex function. This can help identify the source of the issue.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Regular Expressions in ABAP: Familiarize yourself with how regular expressions work in ABAP, including the syntax and functions available for regex operations.
  Data Type Conversions: Review the ABAP documentation on data type conversions to understand how to properly convert between different types.
  SAP Notes and Documentation: Check SAP Notes or the official SAP documentation for any updates or specific guidelines related to regex usage in your version of SAP.
  
  By ensuring that you are only applying regular expressions to character-like types, you can avoid this error and ensure your code runs smoothly.