Error
Error Code:
1291
SAP S/4HANA Error 1291: Incorrect Expression Data Type
Description
This error signifies that a SQLScript expression or operation is attempting to use a value with an incompatible data type. It commonly occurs when an expected numeric value is a string, or a date is treated as an integer, preventing the operation from executing successfully.
Error Message
ERR_SQLSCRIPT_EXPR_WRONG_TYPE: Expression is of wrong type
Known Causes
3 known causesData Type Mismatch in Operations
An operation (e.g., arithmetic, comparison, assignment) expects a specific data type (e.g., INTEGER) but receives a value of a different, incompatible type (e.g., VARCHAR).
Incorrect Function Parameter Type
A SQLScript function or procedure is invoked with an argument whose data type does not match the expected data type of the corresponding parameter.
Failed Implicit Type Conversion
The system attempts an automatic (implicit) data type conversion, but the conversion is not possible for the given values or results in an invalid data representation.
Solutions
3 solutions available1. Data Type Mismatch in SQL Script or CDS View medium
Correct incompatible data types in SQL scripts or CDS views that are causing the error.
1
Identify the SQL script or CDS view that is triggering error 1291. This often involves examining the application logs or tracing the error back to its source.
2
Analyze the specific expression causing the 'Incorrect Expression Data Type' error. This expression is likely attempting to perform an operation (e.g., arithmetic, string concatenation, comparison) on operands with incompatible data types.
3
Modify the SQL script or CDS view to ensure that all operands in the problematic expression have compatible data types. This might involve explicit type casting using functions like `CAST` or `CONVERT`. For example, if you are trying to add a string to a number, cast the string to a numeric type.
SELECT CAST(string_column AS INT) + numeric_column FROM your_table;
4
If using CDS views, ensure that the data types defined for fields in associations, projections, or annotations are consistent. Adjust the data type definitions in the CDS view to resolve the mismatch.
define view MyCDSView as select from my_table { key id, // Assuming id is an integer string_field as string, // Ensure this is compatible with its usage numeric_field as abap.types.i // Example of explicit type definition };
5
Redeploy or activate the modified SQL script or CDS view. Test the functionality that previously caused the error to confirm the issue is resolved.
2. Inconsistent Data Types in Table Definitions medium
Ensure that the underlying database table definitions have consistent and compatible data types for all columns.
1
Examine the table definitions of the involved database tables. This can be done using SAP's Data Dictionary (SE11) or directly querying the database catalog.
SELECT tabname, colname, datatype FROM catdbtab WHERE tabname = 'YOUR_TABLE_NAME';
2
Identify any columns that are used in expressions or joins where a data type mismatch might occur. Pay close attention to columns that might be implicitly converted or are expected to be of a certain type by the application logic.
3
If a data type inconsistency is found, consider the implications of altering the table. In many SAP S/4HANA scenarios, direct table alterations are discouraged. Instead, focus on adjusting the application logic (e.g., SQL scripts, CDS views) to handle the existing data types gracefully using explicit type casting.
4
If a table alteration is unavoidable and supported in your specific S/4HANA context, use appropriate database tools or SAP's recommended procedures to modify the column's data type. **Caution**: This is a significant change and requires thorough testing and understanding of its impact on existing data and applications.
ALTER TABLE YOUR_TABLE_NAME MODIFY (your_column_name NEW_DATA_TYPE);
5
After any table modification or adjustment in application logic, perform comprehensive testing of the affected functionalities.
3. Parameter Type Mismatch in Stored Procedures or Functions medium
Resolve incorrect data types for parameters passed to or returned from SQL stored procedures or functions.
1
Locate the stored procedure or function that is involved in the error. This often occurs when calling these objects from ABAP or other SQL contexts.
2
Review the parameter definitions of the stored procedure/function. Ensure that the data types of the parameters (both input and output) are correctly defined and align with the expected data types.
CREATE PROCEDURE my_procedure ( IN param1 INT, IN param2 VARCHAR(50) ) AS ...
3
When calling the stored procedure or function, ensure that the data types of the arguments being passed match the declared parameter types. If there's a mismatch, use explicit type casting on the arguments before passing them.
CALL my_procedure(CAST('123' AS INT), 'some_string');
4
If the stored procedure or function returns a value or a table, ensure that the receiving variables or structures in the calling program (e.g., ABAP) have compatible data types.
5
Recompile or re-execute the stored procedure/function and its calling program after making the necessary adjustments. Test the operation thoroughly.