How To Fix TD215 - The first character of '&' must be a letter

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: TD - SAPscript: Text editor, composer, forms, styles and fonts

• Message number: 215

• Message text: The first character of '&' must be a letter

What causes this issue?

An invalid name was specified.

System Response

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

How to fix this error?

Please enter a name where the first character is a letter.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message TD215 - The first character of '&' must be a letter ?

  The SAP error message TD215, which states "The first character of '&' must be a letter," typically occurs when there is an issue with the naming convention of a variable, object, or identifier in SAP. This error is often encountered in various contexts, such as when defining a transport request, creating a program, or working with data elements.
  Cause:
  The error is triggered when the name of an object (like a program, function module, or data element) does not adhere to the naming conventions set by SAP. Specifically, the first character of the name must be a letter (A-Z or a-z). If the name starts with a number, special character, or is empty, this error will occur.
  Solution:
  To resolve the TD215 error, follow these steps:
  
  
  Check the Name: Ensure that the name you are trying to use starts with a letter. For example, if you are trying to create a program named "123Program", change it to "Program123".
  
  
  Naming Conventions: Familiarize yourself with SAP's naming conventions. Generally, the following rules apply:
  
  The name must start with a letter.
  It can contain letters, numbers, and underscores.
  It should not exceed the maximum length allowed (usually 30 characters for many objects).
  
  
  
  Modify the Identifier: If you are using a variable or identifier in your code, ensure that it follows the naming rules. For example, if you have a variable named "1stValue", rename it to "firstValue".
  
  
  Check for Typos: Sometimes, the error may be due to a simple typo. Double-check the spelling and format of the name.
  
  
  Review Documentation: If you are unsure about the naming conventions for a specific type of object, refer to the SAP documentation or help files for guidance.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Naming Conventions: Understanding the general rules for naming objects in SAP can help prevent this error in the future.
  Transport Requests: If this error occurs while working with transport requests, ensure that the request name follows the correct format.
  ABAP Programming: If you are coding in ABAP, be mindful of variable names and ensure they conform to the naming standards.
  
  By following these guidelines, you should be able to resolve the TD215 error and avoid similar issues in the future.