How To Fix WD522 - Container element '&' does not refer to an object

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WD - Workflow definition

• Message number: 522

• Message text: Container element '&' does not refer to an object

What causes this issue?

In order to trigger an event, a container element must be specified
that refers to an object. You can then trigger a possible event for
this object.

System Response

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

How to fix this error?

Enter an appropriate container element.

Procedure for System Administrators

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WD522 - Container element '&' does not refer to an object ?

  Certainly! Here's a detailed explanation for the SAP error message:
  
  SAP Error Message:
  WD522 Container element '&' does not refer to an object
  
  Cause:
  This error occurs in Web Dynpro ABAP applications when the code tries to access a container element (usually a UI element or context node) that is either:
  
  Not instantiated (i.e., the object reference is NULL or not yet created).
  Incorrectly referenced by name (the element name is wrong or does not exist in the current context).
  The container element is expected to be an object reference but is actually empty or invalid.
  
  In other words, the program tries to dereference a container element that does not point to a valid object instance.
  
  Typical Scenarios:
  
  Accessing a UI element (e.g., input field, button) that has not been created or initialized.
  Accessing a context node or attribute that is not bound or has no data.
  Using an incorrect name or key to get a container element.
  Trying to use a reference before it is set.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check the element name:
  
  Verify that the container element name used in the code exactly matches the name defined in the Web Dynpro component (UI element or context node).
  Pay attention to case sensitivity and spelling.
  
  
  
  Ensure the object is instantiated:
  
  Before accessing the container element, check if it is not NULL.
  Use IF <element> IS BOUND. or IF <element> IS NOT INITIAL. to verify the object reference.
  
  
  
  Initialize or create the object if necessary:
  
  If the element is expected to be created dynamically, ensure the creation logic is executed before access.
  For context nodes, ensure the node is properly bound and data is available.
  
  
  
  Debugging:
  
  Use the debugger to check the value of the container element before the line where the error occurs.
  Check the call stack and the point where the container element is assigned.
  
  
  
  Check context mapping and UI element binding:
  
  Make sure the context node or attribute is correctly mapped to the UI element.
  If the element is a UI control, ensure it is created in the layout and available at runtime.
  
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Web Dynpro ABAP Container Elements: These are references to UI elements or context nodes/attributes used in the Web Dynpro component.
  Object References in ABAP: Accessing an uninitialized object reference causes runtime errors.
  Debugging Tips: Use breakpoints and watchpoints on the container element to monitor its state.
  SAP Notes: Sometimes SAP Notes provide fixes or patches if this error is caused by a known bug.
  
  
  Example:
  DATA lo_element TYPE REF TO if_wd_ui_element.
  
  lo_element = wd_this->get_element( 'MY_ELEMENT' ).
  
  IF lo_element IS BOUND.
    " Safe to use lo_element
    lo_element->set_visible( abap_true ).
  ELSE.
    " Handle the case when element is not available
    MESSAGE 'Element MY_ELEMENT not found' TYPE 'E'.
  ENDIF.
  
  If you provide the exact code snippet or scenario where the error occurs, I can help you pinpoint the issue more precisely.