Stop googling SAP errors. Use our Free Essentials plan instead - no credit card needed. Start Now

Close

How To Fix W8106 - Constants cannot begin with '%' or '&'


SAP Error Message - Details

  • Message type: E = Error

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

  • Message number: 106

  • Message text: Constants cannot begin with '%' or '&'

  • Show details Hide details


  • Self-Explanatory Message

    Since SAP believes that this specific error message is 'self-explanatory,' no more information has been given.The majority of messages in the SAP system have a message text, however this is frequently insufficient to comprehend or resolve the problem.

    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.

    Unfortunately, there isn't any extra information in this error notice.



    What else can you do?

    First, use our AnswerBot below to get a possible cause and solution (requires a premium subscription).

    Also, review the in-depth Common Questions & Answers listed below; you could discover a solution there or be able to connect with others who have faced similar challenges.

    You can also try searching the SAP support portal (support.sap.com) but you need a special user ID to access it. It is possible that an SAP support note exists that provides additional details about the mistake or even steps for fixing it.


Smart SAP Assistant

  • What is the cause and solution for SAP error message W8106 - Constants cannot begin with '%' or '&' ?

    Certainly! Here's a detailed explanation for the SAP error message W8106: Constants cannot begin with '%' or '&':


    Error Message

    W8106: Constants cannot begin with '%' or '&'


    Cause

    This warning occurs when you define a constant in ABAP code that starts with the characters % or &. In ABAP, constants are not allowed to begin with these special characters because:

    • % and & are reserved for system variables or special syntax elements.
    • Using these characters at the start of a constant name or value can cause ambiguity or conflicts in the ABAP parser.

    For example, the following is not allowed:

    CONSTANTS c_example TYPE c VALUE '%test'.
    CONSTANTS c_example2 TYPE c VALUE '&test'.

    Solution

    • Do not start constant values with % or &.
      Change the constant value so that it does not begin with these characters.

    • If you need to use % or & as part of the constant value, place them after the first character, for example:

    CONSTANTS c_example TYPE c VALUE 'A%test'.
    CONSTANTS c_example2 TYPE c VALUE 'B&test'.
    • If the constant is a string and you need to include % or & at the beginning for some reason (e.g., a special code or pattern), consider:
      • Using a different naming or value convention.
      • Escaping or encoding the value if applicable (though ABAP constants do not support escape sequences in this context).

    Related Information

    • ABAP Syntax Rules: Constants must follow naming and value conventions to avoid conflicts with reserved characters.
    • Special Characters in ABAP: % and & are often used in system variables (e.g., %_ variables) or macro expansions.
    • SAP Notes and Documentation: Check SAP Help or SAP Notes for any updates or exceptions related to constants and special characters.
    • Debugging: If you encounter this warning during code activation, review the constant declarations and adjust accordingly.

    Summary

    Aspect Details
    Error Constants cannot begin with % or &.
    Cause Constant value starts with % or &.
    Solution Change constant value to not start with % or &.
    Notes % and & are reserved characters in ABAP.

    If you provide the exact code snippet causing the warning, I can help you correct it specifically.

    • Do you have any question about this error?


      Upgrade now to chat with this error.


Instant HelpGet instant SAP help. Sign up for our Free Essentials Plan.


Related SAP Error Messages

Click the links below to see the following related messages:

Click on this link to search all SAP messages.


Rating
ERPlingo's SAP support assistant is amazing. Saves me countless hours trying to solve complex SAP issues myself. It's a real game changer!
Rate 1
Thomas Michael
SAP Consultant, Author & Speaker