How To Fix WER381 - The return type of an expression cannot be initial

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WER - Messages for the package WER

• Message number: 381

• Message text: The return type of an expression cannot be initial

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• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WER381 - The return type of an expression cannot be initial ?

  SAP Error Message:
  
  WER381 - The return type of an expression cannot be initial
  
  Cause:
  This error occurs in ABAP when an expression's return type is expected to have a meaningful (non-initial) value, but the expression is returning an initial (empty or default) value. Specifically, this often happens in the context of inline declarations or expressions where the system expects a non-initial value to be returned, but the expression results in an initial value, which is not allowed.
  For example, this can happen if you have a function or method call in an expression that returns a data object, but the return value is initial (empty), and the context requires a non-initial value.
  
  Typical Scenarios:
  
  Using inline expressions or inline declarations where the return type is expected to be non-initial.
  Assigning the result of an expression to a variable or passing it as a parameter where initial values are not allowed.
  Returning a value from a method or function module where the return type cannot be initial.
  Using expressions in conditions or assignments where the system expects a valid (non-initial) return value.
  
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check the expression's return value:
  
  Ensure that the expression or function/method call returns a valid, non-initial value before it is used in the context that requires it.
  
  
  Add validation or fallback logic:
  
  If the expression can return an initial value, add logic to handle this case explicitly, for example:
  
  Use IF conditions to check if the value is initial before using it.
  Provide a default value if the expression returns initial.
  
  
  
  Adjust the data types or declarations:
  
  Make sure the data types involved in the expression are compatible and that the return type is not defined in a way that forbids initial values.
  
  
  Review the method or function return type:
  
  If the error occurs in a method or function, ensure that the return type is correctly defined and that the method always returns a non-initial value when required.
  
  
  
  Example:
  DATA(result) = some_function( ).
  
  IF result IS INITIAL.
    " Handle the initial case explicitly
    result = default_value.
  ENDIF.
  Or, if using inline expressions:
  DATA(result) = some_function( ) ?? default_value.
  
  Related Information:
  
  This error is related to ABAP's strict typing and expression evaluation rules introduced in newer ABAP versions.
  It often appears when using inline declarations (DATA(...) = ...) or expressions in assignments or conditions.
  The error enforces that expressions used in certain contexts must return meaningful data, preventing runtime errors due to unexpected initial values.
  Check SAP Notes or ABAP documentation for your specific SAP NetWeaver or S/4HANA version for any updates or patches related to this error.
  
  
  If you provide the specific code snippet causing the error, I can help pinpoint the exact cause and solution.