How To Fix UMG291 - Structure reference must be empty for reference type 'D'.

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: UMG - Message Class for the Unicode Migration Tool.

• Message number: 291

• Message text: Structure reference must be empty for reference type 'D'.

Self-Explanatory Message

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To make things easier, more detailed information is frequently added to describe the issue, how to fix it, and the necessary steps or configuration modifications.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message UMG291 - Structure reference must be empty for reference type 'D'. ?

  The SAP error message UMG291, which states "Structure reference must be empty for reference type 'D'," typically occurs in the context of ABAP programming when dealing with data dictionary objects, particularly when defining or using structures and reference types.
  Cause:
  This error usually arises when you are trying to use a reference type (specifically a reference to a structure) in a way that is not allowed. The reference type 'D' indicates that it is a reference to a data object, and the system expects that the structure reference should be empty or not assigned to any specific structure.
  Common Scenarios:
  
  Incorrect Declaration: You may have declared a reference variable for a structure but did not initialize it properly.
  Improper Assignment: You might be trying to assign a non-empty structure reference to a variable that expects an empty reference.
  Data Type Mismatch: There could be a mismatch between the expected data type and the actual data type being used.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can take the following steps:
  
  
  Check Declarations: Ensure that your reference variable is declared correctly. If it is meant to be a reference to a structure, make sure it is initialized properly.
  DATA: ref TYPE REF TO your_structure_type.
  
  
  Initialization: If you are using a reference type, ensure that it is initialized to NULL or an empty state before using it.
  CLEAR ref.
  
  
  Review Assignments: Make sure that you are not trying to assign a non-empty structure reference to a variable that expects an empty reference. If you need to assign a structure, ensure that the target variable is compatible.
  
  
  Check Data Types: Verify that the data types you are working with are compatible. If you are trying to assign a structure to a reference variable, ensure that the reference variable is declared to point to the correct structure type.
  
  
  Debugging: If the issue persists, use debugging tools to trace the point of failure and inspect the values of the variables involved.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  ABAP Documentation: Refer to the official SAP ABAP documentation for more details on data types and reference variables.
  SAP Community: Engage with the SAP Community forums for insights from other developers who may have encountered similar issues.
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that might address specific bugs or issues related to this error message.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the cause of the UMG291 error in your SAP ABAP program.