How To Fix W8096 - Syntax '()' only allows read access to element &

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: W8 - Workflow: Expressions, data flow

• Message number: 096

• Message text: Syntax '()' only allows read access to element &

What causes this issue?

Syntax '()' only allows read access to the current line of the table
element and is therefore only relevant to the binding direction <(>
<<)>==.

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?

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 W8096 - Syntax '()' only allows read access to element & ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  W8096 Syntax '()' only allows read access to element &
  
  Cause:
  This warning message occurs when you try to assign a value to a field or variable using the syntax with parentheses (), which is only allowed for reading (i.e., retrieving the value), not for writing (i.e., assigning a value).
  In ABAP, the parentheses () syntax is typically used for field-symbols or data references to access the content of a data object. However, when you use () in an expression, it is interpreted as a read-only operation. Attempting to assign a value to such an expression causes this warning.
  Example that causes W8096:
  DATA: lv_value TYPE i.
  FIELD-SYMBOLS <fs> TYPE i.
  
  lv_value = 10.
  ASSIGN lv_value TO <fs>.
  
  (<fs>) = 20.  " This causes W8096 warning
  Here, (<fs>) is used on the left side of an assignment, which is not allowed.
  
  Explanation:
  
  (<fs>) is a syntax to read the content pointed to by the field symbol <fs>.
  To write to the content, you should use the field symbol directly without parentheses.
  Parentheses are used to dereference or read the value, but not to assign.
  
  
  Solution:
  Remove the parentheses () when assigning a value.
  Correct the code by assigning directly to the field symbol or variable without parentheses:
  <fs> = 20.  " Correct way to assign value
  
  Additional Information:
  
  The parentheses syntax () is often used in expressions or when you want to read the value of a field symbol or data reference inline.
  For example, to read the value of a field symbol <fs>, you can write:
  
  WRITE: (<fs>).
  
  But to assign a value, use:
  
  <fs> = new_value.
  
  This warning is a syntax warning (not an error), but it should be corrected to avoid runtime issues or unexpected behavior.
  
  
  Summary:
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Description
  
  
  
  
  Cause
  Using () syntax on the left side of assignment (write access) which is only allowed for read access.
  
  
  Solution
  Remove parentheses () when assigning values; assign directly to the field symbol or variable.
  
  
  Related info
  () syntax is for reading/dereferencing only; use direct reference for writing.
  
  
  
  
  If you provide the exact code snippet causing the warning, I can help you correct it specifically.