How To Fix MO412 - LIKE with ESCAPE in pooled table

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: MO - Modeling and Prototyping

• Message number: 412

• Message text: LIKE with ESCAPE in pooled table

What causes this issue?

An Open SQL statement that contains a WHERE clause is to be executed.
It contains a LIKE condition with the addition ESCAPE. The addition
ESCAPE must not be used for pool tables.
The WHERE clause contains an IN-itab condition (SELECT options) that
includes LIKE conditions (CP or NP).
If the search string for this type of LIKE condition contains one of
the characters '%' or '_', an escape character is added by the runtime
environment. This causes the current runtime error with pool tables.
This error was caught.

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

System Response

Processing had to be terminated.

How to fix this error?

Do not use in your selection any combination of '*+' and '_%'.

Procedure for System Administrators

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message MO412 - LIKE with ESCAPE in pooled table ?

  The SAP error message MO412 typically occurs when there is an issue with the use of the LIKE operator in a query involving a pooled table, particularly when using the ESCAPE clause. This error can arise in various scenarios, such as when you are trying to filter records based on a pattern match but the syntax or the context is not correctly set up.
  Cause of the Error
  
  
  Pooled Tables: Pooled tables in SAP are special types of database tables that are stored in a single table in the database. They are used to optimize storage and performance. However, they have certain limitations, especially when it comes to complex SQL operations.
  
  
  LIKE Operator: The LIKE operator is used for pattern matching in SQL. When using it with pooled tables, there may be restrictions on how it can be applied, especially with the ESCAPE clause.
  
  
  Incorrect Syntax: The error can also occur due to incorrect syntax in the SQL statement, particularly in how the LIKE and ESCAPE clauses are structured.
  
  
  Solution
  To resolve the MO412 error, consider the following steps:
  
  
  Check Syntax: Ensure that the SQL syntax is correct. The LIKE operator should be used properly, and if you are using the ESCAPE clause, it should be formatted correctly. For example:
  SELECT * FROM your_pooled_table WHERE your_column LIKE 'pattern' ESCAPE 'escape_character'
  
  
  Avoid Using Pooled Tables: If possible, consider using transparent tables instead of pooled tables for queries that require complex operations like LIKE with ESCAPE. Transparent tables do not have the same limitations as pooled tables.
  
  
  Simplify Queries: If the query is complex, try to simplify it. Break it down into smaller parts or use temporary tables to store intermediate results.
  
  
  Check Database Compatibility: Ensure that the database you are using is compatible with the SQL syntax you are applying. Different databases may have variations in how they handle SQL queries.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Refer to the SAP documentation or help resources for specific guidelines on using LIKE with pooled tables. There may be specific recommendations or best practices outlined.
  
  
  Debugging: If the issue persists, consider debugging the query step-by-step to identify the exact point of failure. Use transaction codes like SE11 (Data Dictionary) to analyze the table structure and ensure that the fields being queried are correctly defined.
  
  
  Related Information
  
  Pooled vs. Transparent Tables: Understanding the differences between pooled and transparent tables in SAP can help in designing better database structures and queries.
  SQL Syntax in ABAP: Familiarize yourself with the SQL syntax used in ABAP, especially when dealing with database operations.
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to the error message MO412. SAP frequently updates its knowledge base with solutions to common problems.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the MO412 error and successfully execute your SQL queries involving pooled tables.