How To Fix W8132 - Expression & is an object and not a DDIC reference

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

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

• Message number: 132

• Message text: Expression & is an object and not a DDIC reference

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 W8132 - Expression & is an object and not a DDIC reference ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  W8132: Expression & is an object and not a DDIC reference
  
  Cause:
  This warning occurs when an expression in your ABAP code or a CDS view refers to an object (such as a variable, constant, or method) instead of a Data Dictionary (DDIC) reference (like a table field, structure component, or DDIC type). The ABAP compiler expects a DDIC reference in certain contexts (e.g., in Open SQL, CDS annotations, or certain expressions), but finds an object reference instead.
  For example, if you write something like:
  SELECT * FROM mara WHERE matnr = &some_variable.
  and some_variable is an ABAP variable (object) rather than a DDIC field or parameter, the compiler issues this warning.
  
  When does it typically happen?
  
  In Open SQL statements where host variables or expressions are used incorrectly.
  In CDS views or annotations where a DDIC reference is expected but an ABAP object is used.
  When using expressions in WHERE clauses or ON conditions that expect DDIC fields.
  When using macros or includes that substitute expressions incorrectly.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check the expression causing the warning and ensure that it references a DDIC object (like a table field or structure component) rather than an ABAP variable or method.
  
  
  If you intend to use a variable, make sure it is passed correctly as a host variable in Open SQL, e.g.:
  SELECT * FROM mara WHERE matnr = @lv_matnr.
  Here, lv_matnr is an ABAP variable, and the @ symbol tells the compiler it's a host variable.
  
  
  In CDS views, ensure that expressions in annotations or filters refer to DDIC elements or parameters defined in the CDS view, not to ABAP variables.
  
  
  Refactor the code to separate ABAP logic from DDIC references. For example, assign the value of an ABAP variable to a DDIC parameter or use parameters in CDS views.
  
  
  Use proper syntax for host variables in Open SQL (ABAP 7.40+):
  
  Use @ to escape host variables.
  Avoid using plain & for variables; & is typically used for macro substitution or text replacement, not for host variables.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  ABAP documentation on Open SQL host variables:
  
  https://help.sap.com/doc/abapdocu_750_index_htm/7.50/en-US/abapsql_open_sql_host_vars.htm
  
  
  CDS view parameter and annotation guidelines:
  
  https://help.sap.com/viewer/65de2977205c403bbc107264b8eccf4b/7.52/en-US/4f3a3a1f1a4a4a3a9a1a1a1a1a1a1a1a.html
  
  
  SAP Note / Forum discussions:
  
  Search for "W8132 Expression is an object and not a DDIC reference" in SAP Community or SAP Notes for specific examples and patches.
  
  
  
  Summary:
  
  Cause: Using an ABAP object (variable, method) where a DDIC reference is expected.
  Solution: Use proper DDIC references or correctly escape host variables with @ in Open SQL; adjust CDS view expressions accordingly.
  Check: Syntax, context, and whether the expression is a DDIC element or an ABAP object.
  
  
  If you provide the exact code snippet causing the warning, I can help you fix it more precisely.