How To Fix W8220 - Expression &1: Invalid syntax for access to structure field

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

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

• Message number: 220

• Message text: Expression &1: Invalid syntax for access to structure field

What causes this issue?

Expression &V1& has an invalid syntax. Use the following format to
access structure fields:
<Name of structure>-<Name of field>.
In your example, the valid syntax is &V2&-&V3&

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?

Use the specified syntax or choose the structure field using the input
help.

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 W8220 - Expression &1: Invalid syntax for access to structure field ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  W8220 Expression &1: Invalid syntax for access to structure field
  
  Cause:
  This warning message occurs when there is a syntax error in the expression used to access a field of a structure in ABAP code. Specifically, the syntax used to reference a structure field is incorrect or not allowed in the context where it appears.
  Common causes include:
  
  Using incorrect field access notation (e.g., missing - or -> for field access).
  Trying to access a component of a structure using a syntax meant for other data types.
  Using parentheses or other operators incorrectly when accessing structure fields.
  Accessing nested structure fields incorrectly.
  
  
  Explanation:
  In ABAP, to access a field of a structure, the correct syntax is:
  structure-field
  For example, if you have a structure ls_data with a field name, you access it as:
  ls_data-name
  If the syntax deviates from this, the system raises the warning W8220.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check the syntax of the field access expression.
  
  Make sure you use the correct hyphen - to access structure fields.
  
  
  Correct examples:
  DATA: ls_data TYPE some_structure.
  
  ls_data-fieldname = 'value'.   " Correct
  
  
  Incorrect examples that cause W8220:
  ls_data.fieldname = 'value'.   " Incorrect, dot notation is not used for structure fields in ABAP
  ls_data->fieldname = 'value'.  " Incorrect for structures (used for object references)
  
  
  If accessing nested structures, chain the field access properly:
  ls_data-substructure-fieldname
  
  
  If the expression is dynamic or complex, consider breaking it down or using field symbols or data references properly.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  ABAP Field Access Syntax:  
  
  Structures: structure-field  
  Object references: object->attribute  
  Internal tables: use INDEX or READ TABLE statements.
  
  
  
  SAP Note / Documentation:
  
  Check SAP Help or ABAP documentation for "Field Access" and "Data Objects" for detailed syntax rules.
  
  
  Debugging Tips:  
  
  Use the ABAP Editor's syntax check to locate the exact line causing the warning.  
  Simplify the expression to isolate the incorrect syntax.
  
  
  
  
  Summary:
  
  Cause: Incorrect syntax used to access a structure field in ABAP.
  Solution: Use the correct hyphen - notation for structure field access.
  Example: Change structure.field to structure-field.
  
  
  If you provide the exact code snippet causing the warning, I can help pinpoint the exact syntax error.