How To Fix OO117 - Type & cannot be referenced using LIKE

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: OO - Class Builder/API

• Message number: 117

• Message text: Type & cannot be referenced using LIKE

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message OO117 - Type & cannot be referenced using LIKE ?

  The SAP error message OO117, which states "Type & cannot be referenced using LIKE," typically occurs when you are trying to use the LIKE operator in a context where it is not applicable to the data type you are working with. This error is common in ABAP programming when dealing with data types that do not support pattern matching.
  Cause:
  The error arises when:
  
  You are trying to use the LIKE operator with a data type that is not a character string or does not support pattern matching.
  The variable or field you are referencing with LIKE is of a type that does not allow for string comparison, such as numeric types or complex structures.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check Data Types: Ensure that the variable or field you are using with the LIKE operator is of a character type (e.g., CHAR, STRING, etc.). If it is not, you will need to convert it to a compatible type.
  
  
  Use Appropriate Operators: If you are working with numeric types or other non-character types, consider using other comparison operators such as =, <>, <, >, etc., instead of LIKE.
  
  
  Convert Data Types: If you need to perform a pattern match on a non-character type, you may need to convert it to a string first. For example, you can use the CONCATENATE or CONVERT functions to convert numeric values to strings.
  
  
  Review the Context: Ensure that the context in which you are using the LIKE operator is appropriate. For example, if you are using it in a SELECT statement, make sure the field being compared is indeed a character field.
  
  
  Example:
  Here’s an example of how to correctly use the LIKE operator:
  DATA: lv_string TYPE string,
        lv_pattern TYPE string.
  
  lv_string = 'Hello World'.
  lv_pattern = 'Hello'.
  
  IF lv_string LIKE lv_pattern.
    WRITE: 'Pattern matches!'.
  ELSE.
    WRITE: 'No match!'.
  ENDIF.
  In this example, both lv_string and lv_pattern are of type string, which is appropriate for using the LIKE operator.
  Related Information:
  
  ABAP Documentation: Refer to the official SAP ABAP documentation for more details on data types and operators.
  Debugging: Use the ABAP debugger to inspect the types of variables at runtime to ensure they are compatible with the operations you are performing.
  SAP Community: Engage with the SAP community forums for additional insights and solutions from other developers who may have encountered similar issues.
  
  By following these guidelines, you should be able to resolve the OO117 error and use the LIKE operator correctly in your ABAP programs.