How To Fix WD286 - Enter expression with reference to multi-line element

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WD - Workflow definition

• Message number: 286

• Message text: Enter expression with reference to multi-line element

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• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WD286 - Enter expression with reference to multi-line element ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  WD286 - Enter expression with reference to multi-line element
  
  Cause:
  This error occurs in Web Dynpro ABAP when you are trying to enter or define an expression that references a multi-line element (i.e., a table or internal table) incorrectly. The system expects an expression that refers to a single-line element (a structure or scalar value), but the expression you provided points to a multi-line element without specifying a particular line or index.
  In other words, the error is triggered because the expression is ambiguous or incomplete when it comes to handling multi-line context elements. For example, if you try to bind a UI element that expects a single value to a context node (which is multi-line) without specifying a particular row or attribute, this error will appear.
  
  When does it typically occur?
  
  When binding UI elements (like input fields, text fields) to context nodes that are multi-line without specifying a particular attribute or row.
  When writing expressions in Web Dynpro that refer to multi-line context nodes but do not specify a single element.
  When using expressions in property bindings or event handlers that expect a single value but receive a table or node reference.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Specify a single-line element in the expression:
  
  Instead of referring to the entire multi-line node, refer to a specific attribute of a single row.
  For example, if your context node is IT_CUSTOMERS (multi-line), you should refer to IT_CUSTOMERS.CUSTOMER_NAME or bind to the context attribute of the current row.
  
  
  
  Use the correct context node and attribute:
  
  Make sure the expression points to a context attribute (single value) rather than the entire node.
  For example, in the expression editor, use something like:
  =WDContext->getModel()->getProperty("IT_CUSTOMERS[<index>]/CUSTOMER_NAME")
  or in the Web Dynpro expression syntax:
  IT_CUSTOMERS.CUSTOMER_NAME
  where the UI element is bound to the attribute, not the node.
  
  
  
  
  If you want to display or manipulate multiple lines, use UI elements that support tables or lists:
  
  For multi-line data, use UI elements like Table, Tree, or List UI elements that are designed to handle multi-line context nodes.
  
  
  
  Check the binding in the Web Dynpro component:
  
  In the context tab, ensure that the UI element is bound to a context attribute (single-line) and not the entire node.
  If you want to bind to a multi-line node, use a table UI element.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  
  Web Dynpro Context:
  
  The context in Web Dynpro is a hierarchical data structure that holds data for the UI. It consists of nodes (which can be multi-line or single-line) and attributes (single-line).
  
  
  Multi-line vs Single-line Context Nodes:  
  
  Multi-line node: Represents a table or list of entries (like an internal table).  
  Single-line node: Represents a single structure or scalar value.
  
  
  
  Expression Editor in Web Dynpro:
  
  When writing expressions, always ensure that the expression resolves to a single value if the UI element expects a single value.
  
  
  SAP Note / Documentation:
  
  You can refer to SAP Web Dynpro ABAP documentation on context binding and expression syntax for more details.
  
  
  
  Summary:
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Description
  
  
  
  
  Cause
  Expression references a multi-line context node where a single-line element is expected.
  
  
  Solution
  Reference a single attribute of a single row in the multi-line node, or use appropriate UI elements for multi-line data.
  
  
  Related
  Web Dynpro context nodes, expression syntax, UI element binding, multi-line vs single-line nodes.
  
  
  
  
  If you provide the exact scenario or code snippet where this error occurs, I can help you with a more precise solution.