How To Fix /SAPCND/GEN_CODE218 - Syntax error - a placeholder must not contain any special characters

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: /SAPCND/GEN_CODE -

• Message number: 218

• Message text: Syntax error - a placeholder must not contain any special characters

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message /SAPCND/GEN_CODE218 - Syntax error - a placeholder must not contain any special characters ?

  The SAP error message /SAPCND/GEN_CODE218 indicates that there is a syntax error in a condition or placeholder definition within the SAP system. Specifically, the error states that a placeholder must not contain any special characters. This typically occurs in the context of condition records, pricing procedures, or similar configurations where placeholders are used to represent variable values.
  Cause:
  The error is caused by the presence of special characters in a placeholder name or definition. Placeholders are often used in SAP for dynamic values, and they must adhere to specific naming conventions. Special characters such as spaces, punctuation marks, or symbols (e.g., @, #, $, %, &, etc.) are not allowed in placeholder names.
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, follow these steps:
  
  
  Identify the Placeholder: Determine which placeholder is causing the error. This may involve reviewing the configuration settings where the error is being triggered.
  
  
  Check Naming Conventions: Ensure that the placeholder name adheres to SAP's naming conventions. Typically, placeholder names should:
  
  Start with a letter.
  Contain only alphanumeric characters (A-Z, 0-9) and underscores (_).
  Avoid any special characters or spaces.
  
  
  
  Modify the Placeholder: If you find that the placeholder contains special characters, rename it to conform to the allowed naming conventions. This may involve:
  
  Removing special characters.
  Replacing spaces with underscores.
  Ensuring the name is meaningful and descriptive.
  
  
  
  Test the Changes: After making the necessary changes, test the configuration to ensure that the error no longer occurs and that the system behaves as expected.
  
  
  Documentation: Document the changes made for future reference and to assist other users who may encounter similar issues.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any specific guidance or updates related to this error message. SAP frequently releases notes that provide solutions or workarounds for known issues.
  SAP Community: Engage with the SAP Community forums to see if other users have encountered similar issues and what solutions they have found.
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes (e.g., VK11, VK31 for condition records) where you might encounter this error.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the /SAPCND/GEN_CODE218 error and ensure that your placeholders are correctly defined.