How To Fix SDDL_PARSER_MSG518 - Function "&1" cannot be used in arithmetic expressions

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: SDDL_PARSER_MSG - Message Class for DDL Parser

• Message number: 518

• Message text: Function "&1" cannot be used in arithmetic expressions

What causes this issue?

Time stamps cannot be used in arithmetic expressions, since calculations
of this type cannot make automatic adjustments (for example, for minutes
or calendar days).

How to fix this error?

The alternative is to use functions that handle time stamps correctly.
UTCL_CURRENT()
UTCL_ADD_SECONDS(utcl,seconds)
UTCL_SECONDS_BETWEEN(utcl1,utcl2)
TSTMP_IS_VALID(tstmp)
TSTMP_CURRENT_UTCTIMESTAMP()
TSTMP_SECONDS_BETWEEN(tstmp1,tstmp2,on_error)
TSTMP_ADD_SECONDS(tstmp,seconds,on_error)

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message SDDL_PARSER_MSG518 - Function "&1" cannot be used in arithmetic expressions ?

  The SAP error message SDDL_PARSER_MSG518 indicates that a specific function (denoted as "&1" in the error message) cannot be used in arithmetic expressions. This typically occurs when a function that is not designed to return a numeric value is being used in a context where a numeric value is expected, such as in calculations or arithmetic operations.
  Cause:
  
  Function Type: The function you are trying to use is likely a string manipulation function, a date function, or another type of function that does not return a numeric value.
  Incorrect Usage: The function is being used in a place where arithmetic operations are expected, such as in a formula or calculation field.
  Data Type Mismatch: There may be a mismatch between the expected data type (numeric) and the actual return type of the function.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Function Documentation: Review the documentation for the function you are using to understand its return type and intended use. Ensure that it is appropriate for arithmetic operations.
  Modify the Expression: If the function is not suitable for arithmetic operations, consider modifying your expression to use a different function that returns a numeric value or to restructure your logic to avoid using the function in an arithmetic context.
  Use Type Conversion: If the function returns a value that can be converted to a numeric type (e.g., a string that represents a number), you may need to explicitly convert it to a numeric type before using it in arithmetic operations.
  Debugging: If you are unsure about the function's return type, you can test it in a separate context to see what value it returns and adjust your logic accordingly.
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Documentation: Refer to the official SAP documentation for the specific function you are using to understand its purpose and limitations.
  SAP Community: You can search for similar issues in the SAP Community forums, where other users may have encountered and resolved the same error.
  ABAP Development: If you are working with ABAP code, consider consulting with an ABAP developer to ensure that the functions and expressions are being used correctly.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the error and ensure that your expressions are correctly formulated for the intended calculations.