How To Fix W8352 - Operator '&1' can only be applied to an object reference

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

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

• Message number: 352

• Message text: Operator '&1' can only be applied to an object reference

What causes this issue?

Operators 'EX' and 'NX' check for the existence (or non-existence) of
an object, for which a valid object reference must be available in the
container or must be accessible via a container expression.

How to fix this error?

Please ensure that the operand entered as expression 1 has an object
value. The object references are highlighted by a special symbol in the
expression tree.
The object reference to be checked must be entered as expression 1 (on
the left side).
You must not enter a multi-line container element, also if the line
type is an object reference.
Operators 'EX' and 'NX' only use one operand. Expression 2 is deleted
when operators 'EX' or 'NX' are inserted.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message W8352 - Operator '&1' can only be applied to an object reference ?

  Certainly! Here's a detailed explanation for the SAP error message W8352 Operator '&1' can only be applied to an object reference:
  
  Error Message
  W8352 Operator '&1' can only be applied to an object reference
  
  Cause
  This warning occurs in ABAP when you use an operator (such as -> or =>) that is intended to be applied to an object reference, but the operand is not an object reference.
  
  The operator -> is used to access components or methods of an object instance.
  The operator => is used to access static components or methods of a class.
  
  If you try to use these operators on a data object that is not a reference type (for example, a structure, internal table, or simple data type), the ABAP runtime issues this warning.
  Example:
  DATA: ls_struct TYPE some_structure.
  
  " Incorrect usage: trying to use '->' on a structure (not an object reference)
  ls_struct->component = 'value'.  " This triggers W8352
  
  Solution
  
  Check the data type of the variable on which you are applying the operator.
  Ensure that the variable is an object reference (declared with REF TO).
  If you want to access components of a structure, use the dot operator . instead of ->.
  If you want to access methods or attributes of an object, make sure the variable is declared as a reference to a class.
  
  Correct usage example:
  DATA: lo_object TYPE REF TO some_class.
  
  " Correct usage: '->' applied to an object reference
  lo_object->method( ).
  Correct usage for structure:
  DATA: ls_struct TYPE some_structure.
  
  " Use '.' to access components of a structure
  ls_struct-component = 'value'.
  
  Related Information
  
  
  ABAP Operators:
  
  -> : Used to dereference an object reference to access instance components.
  => : Used to access static components of a class.
  . : Used to access components of structures or work areas.
  
  
  
  Data Types:
  
  Object reference variables are declared as DATA var TYPE REF TO class_name.
  Structures and internal tables are not object references.
  
  
  
  Debugging Tips:
  
  Check the declaration of the variable causing the warning.
  Use the ABAP syntax check or the ABAP editor to identify the exact line.
  Use the ABAP runtime debugger to inspect the variable type at runtime.
  
  
  
  
  Summary
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Description
  
  
  
  
  Cause
  Using -> or => operator on a non-object reference variable.
  
  
  Solution
  Use -> only on object references; use . for structures. Ensure variable is declared as REF TO a class if using ->.
  
  
  Related
  ABAP object references, operators ->, =>, and .
  
  
  
  
  If you provide the code snippet causing the error, I can help you fix it specifically.