How To Fix W8157 - Element & could not be recognized as an object reference

W8157 - Overview

• Message type: E = Error

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

• Message number: 157

• Message text: Element & could not be recognized as an object reference

What causes this issue?

The element is not recognizable as an object reference, attributes
cannot therefore be determined.

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?

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message W8157 - Element & could not be recognized as an object reference ?

  SAP Error Message:
  W8157 Element & could not be recognized as an object reference
  
  
  Cause:
  This warning message typically occurs in ABAP when the system expects an object reference but encounters a data element or variable that is not recognized as such. Specifically, it means that the element (variable or field) referenced in the code is not declared or instantiated as an object reference, but the code is trying to use it as one.
  Common scenarios include:
  
  Using a data element or variable that is not declared as a reference type in an object-oriented context.
  Trying to call methods or access attributes on a variable that is not an object reference.
  The variable might be declared as a simple data type (e.g., structure or elementary type) instead of a reference type (REF TO <class>).
  The variable is not properly instantiated (e.g., not created with CREATE OBJECT).
  
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Declaration:
  
  Verify that the variable (element) is declared as an object reference.
  Example:DATA: lo_object