How To Fix W8353 - Operator '&1' cannot be applied to a multiline element

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

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

• Message number: 353

• Message text: Operator '&1' cannot be applied to a multiline element

What causes this issue?

The existence operators 'EX' and 'NX' cannot be applied to a multiline
element, also when this multiline element only contains object
references.
Please note: The operators 'EX' and 'NX' are also not suitable for
checking the availability of a container element at runtime. They only
check whether an object reference that is already available in the
container refers to an official object available.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message W8353 - Operator '&1' cannot be applied to a multiline element ?

  Certainly! Here's a detailed explanation for the SAP error message:
  
  SAP Error Message:
  W8353 Operator '&1' cannot be applied to a multiline element
  
  Cause:
  This warning occurs when you try to use an operator (such as +, -, *, /, & (concatenation), or others) on a multiline element in a SAPscript or Smart Forms context. Multiline elements are typically text elements or variables that contain multiple lines of text, and certain operators cannot be directly applied to them.
  For example, in SAPscript or Smart Forms, if you try to concatenate (&) a multiline text element with another string or variable, the system raises this warning because the operator expects single-line elements or simple data types, not multiline text blocks.
  
  Typical Scenario:
  
  Using concatenation operator & on a multiline text element.
  Applying arithmetic or string operators on multiline text elements.
  Trying to manipulate text elements that span multiple lines directly in the code or form logic.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Avoid applying operators directly on multiline elements.
  
  Instead, process the multiline text element as a whole or handle each line separately.
  
  
  Use appropriate functions or methods to handle multiline text.
  
  For example, in Smart Forms, use the CONCATENATE statement carefully or process text line by line.
  
  
  Convert multiline elements to single-line if possible before applying operators.
  
  This might involve:
  
  Extracting the first line or a specific line.
  Using string functions to manipulate the text.
  
  
  
  Check the form logic or script where the operator is applied.
  
  Modify the code to ensure operators are only applied to compatible data types.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  This warning is common in SAPscript and Smart Forms when dealing with text elements.
  Operators like & (concatenation) expect single-line strings or simple variables.
  Multiline text elements are often handled differently, e.g., by looping through lines or using text processing functions.
  Review SAP documentation on text elements and operators in forms for best practices.
  If you are working in ABAP, ensure that string operations are done on string variables, not on internal tables or multiline text objects.
  
  
  Example:
  Incorrect:
  text_element & ' additional text'
  (where text_element is multiline)
  Correct:
  
  Process each line of text_element separately.
  Or assign text_element to a string variable after extracting a single line, then concatenate.
  
  
  If you provide the exact code snippet or context where this error occurs, I can help you with a more precise fix.
  
  Let me know if you need further assistance!