How To Fix W8121 - Variable does not have a & end character

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

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

• Message number: 121

• Message text: Variable does not have a & end character

Self-Explanatory Message

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• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message W8121 - Variable does not have a & end character ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  W8121 Variable does not have a & end character
  
  Cause:
  This warning message occurs when a variable placeholder in a text or script is not properly enclosed with the & character at both the start and the end. In SAPscript, Smart Forms, or other SAP text processing tools, variables or placeholders are typically denoted by &variable&. If the closing & is missing, SAP cannot correctly identify the variable, leading to this warning.
  Example:  
  
  Incorrect: &USERNAME  
  Correct: &USERNAME&
  
  
  Explanation:
  
  SAP uses the & character to mark the beginning and end of a variable name in texts.
  If the closing & is missing, SAP treats the text as a literal string rather than a variable.
  This can cause the variable not to be replaced with its actual value during runtime.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check the text or script where the variable is used.
  
  Look for all variable placeholders and ensure each one starts and ends with &.
  
  
  Correct the variable syntax.
  
  For example, change &VAR to &VAR&.
  
  
  If the variable is intentionally partial or part of a longer string, adjust accordingly.
  
  Sometimes, the & character might be used in text and needs to be escaped or handled differently.
  
  
  Test the text after correction.
  
  Make sure the variable is replaced correctly during execution.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  This message is common in SAPscript, Smart Forms, and other SAP text processing tools.
  Variables in SAPscript are always enclosed by & characters.
  If you want to display a literal & character, you need to escape it or use special handling.
  Refer to SAP documentation on SAPscript or Smart Forms variable syntax for more details.
  
  
  Summary:
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Details
  
  
  
  
  Cause
  Variable placeholder missing closing & character.
  
  
  Effect
  Variable not recognized; warning W8121 issued.
  
  
  Solution
  Add the missing & at the end of the variable name.
  
  
  Context
  SAPscript, Smart Forms, text processing.
  
  
  
  
  If you provide the exact text or code snippet causing the error, I can help you pinpoint the exact correction.