How To Fix WD269 - Expression '&' is not a date

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WD - Workflow definition

• Message number: 269

• Message text: Expression '&' is not a date

What causes this issue?

Note that constants must not be used for a date.

How to fix this error?

Enter an expression for a date.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WD269 - Expression '&' is not a date ?

  The SAP error message:
  WD269 Expression '&' is not a date
  typically occurs in the context of Web Dynpro ABAP applications when an expression or variable expected to be of type date does not contain a valid date value.
  
  Cause
  
  
  The error indicates that the system tried to interpret a value (represented by & in the message) as a date, but the value is either:
  
  Empty,
  Not in a valid date format,
  Or contains invalid characters that cannot be converted to a date type.
  
  
  
  This often happens when:
  
  A context attribute or UI element bound to a date data type receives an invalid or empty string.
  A date conversion or formatting function is called with an invalid input.
  Data passed from the frontend (e.g., input field) is not properly validated before being processed as a date.
  
  
  
  
  Solution
  
  
  Check the Source of the Date Value:
  
  Identify which context attribute, UI element, or variable is causing the problem.
  Verify that the value assigned to it is a valid date in the expected format (usually YYYYMMDD or YYYY-MM-DD depending on the context).
  
  
  
  Validate Input Data:
  
  Add validation logic in the Web Dynpro component controller or view to ensure that the input is a valid date before processing.
  Use ABAP date functions like CONV d or cl_abap_datfm=>check_date to validate date strings.
  
  
  
  Initialize Date Variables Properly:
  
  Make sure date variables are initialized with valid default values if no user input is provided.
  Avoid passing empty strings or null values where a date is expected.
  
  
  
  Check Data Binding:
  
  Review the data binding between UI elements and context attributes.
  Ensure that the context attribute is of type DATS (date) and the UI element provides a valid date format.
  
  
  
  Debugging:
  
  Use the debugger to check the value of the variable or expression at runtime.
  Trace back to where the invalid value is assigned.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information
  
  Message Class: WD (Web Dynpro)
  Message Number: 269
  SAP Notes: Search for notes related to Web Dynpro date handling or WD269 error.
  Common ABAP Date Functions:
  
  CONV d( <string> ) — converts string to date type.
  cl_abap_datfm=>check_date( <string> ) — checks if string is a valid date.
  
  
  Web Dynpro Context Attribute Types:
  
  Date attributes should be of type DATS.
  UI elements bound to date attributes should use appropriate input formats.
  
  
  
  
  Example
  If you have a context attribute ctx_date of type DATS and you assign a string value from an input field:
  DATA lv_date_string TYPE string.
  lv_date_string = wd_context->get_attribute( 'input_date' ).
  
  " Validate before assignment
  IF cl_abap_datfm=>check_date( lv_date_string ) = abap_true.
    wd_context->set_attribute( 'ctx_date', CONV d( lv_date_string ) ).
  ELSE.
    " Handle invalid date input
    MESSAGE 'Invalid date input' TYPE 'E'.
  ENDIF.
  
  If you provide more details about where and how the error occurs (e.g., during input, data binding, or processing), I can help with a more specific solution.