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How To Fix SY161 - Control levels are not allowed with TABLES parameters


SAP Error Message - Details

  • Message type: E = Error

  • Message class: SY - ABAP/4 system messages

  • Message number: 161

  • Message text: Control levels are not allowed with TABLES parameters

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  • Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

  • What is the cause and solution for SAP error message SY161 - Control levels are not allowed with TABLES parameters ?

    The SAP error message SY161 indicates that control levels are not allowed when using TABLES parameters in a function module or report. This error typically arises when you are trying to use control levels (like AT FIRST, AT END, etc.) in conjunction with a TABLES parameter in a loop or processing block.

    Cause:

    The error occurs because control levels are not compatible with the way TABLES parameters are processed in ABAP. When you declare a parameter as TABLES, it is treated as an internal table, and control levels are not applicable to internal tables in the same way they are for standard data processing.

    Solution:

    To resolve this error, you can follow these steps:

    1. Remove Control Levels: If you are using control levels (like AT FIRST, AT END, etc.) in your code, you need to remove them when processing TABLES parameters. Instead, you can use standard loops to iterate through the internal table.

      Example:

      LOOP AT it_table INTO wa_table.
        " Your processing logic here
      ENDLOOP.
    2. Use Standard Loops: Instead of using control levels, use standard looping constructs to process the internal table. This will allow you to handle each entry in the table without running into the SY161 error.

    3. Check Function Module/Report Logic: If you are working with a function module or report that is designed to handle TABLES parameters, ensure that the logic does not include control levels. Refactor the code to use standard looping and processing techniques.

    Related Information:

    • ABAP Documentation: Review the ABAP documentation for more details on how to work with internal tables and the limitations of control levels.
    • Debugging: If you are unsure where the control levels are being used, you can set breakpoints and debug the code to identify the exact location of the error.
    • SAP Community: Consider checking the SAP Community forums for similar issues and solutions shared by other developers.

    By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the SY161 error and successfully process your TABLES parameters without control levels.

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