How To Fix WD234 - Container element '&' has an invalid type or reference

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WD - Workflow definition

• Message number: 234

• Message text: Container element '&' has an invalid type or reference

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WD234 - Container element '&' has an invalid type or reference ?

  The SAP Web Dynpro error message:
  WD234 Container element '&' has an invalid type or reference
  
  Cause
  This error occurs when a UI element (container element) in a Web Dynpro component or view is defined with an invalid or incorrect type or reference. Specifically, the element's type or reference is either missing, incorrect, or does not correspond to a valid UI element type or interface.
  Common causes include:
  
  The element's type attribute is empty or contains an invalid value.
  The element references a UI element that does not exist or is not properly declared.
  The element's reference points to an object or interface that is not compatible with the container element.
  Corrupted or inconsistent Web Dynpro component metadata.
  Manual changes in the component XML or metadata that introduced invalid references.
  
  
  Solution
  To resolve this error, follow these steps:
  
  
  Check the element definition:
  
  Open the Web Dynpro component or view in the Web Dynpro Explorer.
  Navigate to the container element that causes the error.
  Verify that the element's type is correctly specified and corresponds to a valid UI element type (e.g., IF_WD_CONTAINER, IF_WD_UI_ELEMENT, or specific UI element interfaces).
  
  
  
  Verify references:
  
  Ensure that the element's reference points to a valid and existing UI element or interface.
  If the element is supposed to reference another UI element, check that the referenced element exists and is correctly declared.
  
  
  
  Recreate the element if necessary:
  
  If the element seems corrupted or invalid, delete it and recreate it properly using the Web Dynpro tools.
  
  
  
  Check for manual XML changes:
  
  If you have manually edited the component's XML files, revert or correct any invalid changes.
  
  
  
  Clean and regenerate:
  
  Perform a clean build of the Web Dynpro component.
  Regenerate the component metadata if possible.
  
  
  
  Check for SAP Notes:
  
  Search the SAP Support Portal for any notes related to message WD234 for your SAP NetWeaver version.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information
  
  Message Class: WD (Web Dynpro)
  Message Number: 234
  SAP Transaction: SE80 (Object Navigator), or Web Dynpro Explorer
  SAP Documentation: Web Dynpro ABAP Development Guide
  Common UI Element Types: IF_WD_CONTAINER, IF_WD_UI_ELEMENT, IF_WD_VIEW, IF_WD_WINDOW, etc.
  SAP Notes: Check for notes related to Web Dynpro UI element errors.
  
  
  Summary
  The error "WD234 Container element '&' has an invalid type or reference" indicates that a UI element in your Web Dynpro component has an invalid or missing type or reference. Correcting the element's type and reference in the Web Dynpro component or view definition usually resolves the issue. Avoid manual XML edits and use the Web Dynpro tools to maintain component integrity.