How To Fix SALV_BS_MSG305 - A character string must follow an operator

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: SALV_BS_MSG -

• Message number: 305

• Message text: A character string must follow an operator

What causes this issue?

A character string is expected after an operator (in this case "&V1&")
in a filter condition.

System Response

The filter condition cannot be used.

How to fix this error?

Check the format of the filter condition. If necessary, use double
quotation marks to identify special characters as a normal character
string.

Procedure for System Administrators

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

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message SALV_BS_MSG305 - A character string must follow an operator ?

  The SAP error message SALV_BS_MSG305 ("A character string must follow an operator") typically occurs in ABAP programming when there is a syntax error in your code. This error indicates that the ABAP interpreter has encountered an operator (like =, <>, >, <, etc.) that is not followed by a valid character string or value.
  Cause:
  
  Missing String: You may have an operator in your code that is not followed by a string or a valid expression.
  Incorrect Syntax: The syntax of your statement may be incorrect, leading to the interpreter not recognizing the intended operation.
  Concatenation Issues: If you are trying to concatenate strings, ensure that you are using the correct syntax and that all parts of the concatenation are valid.
  Variable Declaration: If you are using a variable that has not been properly declared or initialized, it may lead to this error.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check the Code: Review the line of code where the error occurs. Ensure that every operator is followed by a valid string or expression.
  " Example of incorrect code
  IF my_variable = .
  " Correct it to:
  IF my_variable = 'some_value'.
  
  
  Correct Syntax: Make sure that the syntax of your statements is correct. Refer to the ABAP documentation for the correct usage of operators and expressions.
  
  
  Use Proper Concatenation: If you are concatenating strings, ensure you are using the correct syntax:
  " Example of correct concatenation
  DATA(result) = 'Hello' && ' World'.
  
  
  Variable Initialization: Ensure that all variables are properly declared and initialized before use. If a variable is expected to hold a string, make sure it is assigned a value before it is used in a comparison.
  
  
  Debugging: If you are unable to find the issue, consider using the ABAP debugger to step through your code and identify where the error is occurring.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  ABAP Documentation: Refer to the official SAP ABAP documentation for detailed information on syntax and operators.
  SAP Community: You can search for similar issues in the SAP Community forums, where other developers may have encountered and resolved similar errors.
  Code Review: Sometimes, having another set of eyes on your code can help identify issues that you might have overlooked.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the cause of the SALV_BS_MSG305 error in your ABAP code.