How To Fix SY473 - READ BINARY SEARCH check switch on

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: SY - ABAP/4 system messages

• Message number: 473

• Message text: READ BINARY SEARCH check switch on

What causes this issue?

You can only use the READ ... BINARY SEARCH statement if the relevant
internal table is sorted by the key used. Otherwise any table row will
be found.

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

To find such program errors there is a test that can be switched on in
the ABAP Debugger. This test checks before every READ ... BINARY SEARCH
statement whether the table is sorted. If this is not the case, a
runtime error occurs.
With large tables this test takes a long time and hence can have a
significant negative effect on the program's runtime.

System Response

How to fix this error?

Procedure for System Administrators

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message SY473 - READ BINARY SEARCH check switch on ?

  The SAP error message SY473 "READ BINARY SEARCH check switch on" typically occurs when there is an issue with the binary search operation in ABAP programs. This error indicates that the system is trying to perform a binary search on a table or internal table, but the necessary conditions for a binary search are not met.
  Cause:
  
  Table Not Sorted: The internal table or database table being searched is not sorted in ascending order based on the key fields required for the binary search.
  Incorrect Key Specification: The key fields specified for the binary search do not match the actual structure of the table.
  Switch Configuration: The binary search switch may not be enabled in the system settings.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Sort the Table: Ensure that the internal table or database table is sorted in ascending order based on the key fields before performing the binary search. You can use the SORT statement in ABAP to sort the table.
  SORT it_table BY key_field1 key_field2.
  
  
  Check Key Fields: Verify that the key fields used in the binary search match the structure of the table. Ensure that you are using the correct fields for the search operation.
  
  
  Enable Binary Search Switch: If the binary search switch is not enabled, you may need to check the system settings or consult with your SAP Basis team to enable it. This is usually done in the system profile parameters.
  
  
  Use Linear Search as Alternative: If sorting the table is not feasible or if the binary search cannot be enabled, consider using a linear search (READ TABLE ... WITH KEY) as an alternative, although it may be less efficient for large datasets.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  ABAP Documentation: Refer to the official SAP ABAP documentation for more details on binary search and the READ TABLE statement.
  Performance Considerations: Binary search is more efficient than linear search for large datasets, but it requires the data to be sorted. Always consider the trade-offs when choosing the search method.
  Debugging: If you encounter this error, use the ABAP debugger to inspect the state of the internal table and the key fields being used for the search.
  
  If the issue persists after trying the above solutions, it may be beneficial to consult with your SAP support team or check SAP Notes for any specific patches or updates related to this error.