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Description

This error indicates that an SAP HANA SQLScript procedure or function is attempting to return data in a format or type that does not match its declared return signature. It typically occurs during the execution of custom SQLScript logic within SAP S/4HANA, often related to custom developments, extensions, or analytical views.

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Error Message

ERR_SQLSCRIPT_INVALID_RETURN_TYPE

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Known Causes

4 known causes

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Return Type Mismatch

The data type of the value or table returned by the SQLScript procedure or function does not align with the data type declared in its signature.

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Incorrect Data Type Conversion

An explicit or implicit data type conversion within the SQLScript logic fails or results in a type that is incompatible with the declared return type.

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Unsupported Return Type Used

The SQLScript is attempting to return a data type that is not supported as a return type for SAP HANA SQLScript procedures or functions.

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Scalar vs. Table Return Discrepancy

The script is declared to return a scalar value but returns a table, or vice versa, without proper handling for the declared return type.

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Solutions

3 solutions available

1. Correct SQL Function/Procedure Return Type medium

Ensure the declared return type of your SQLScript function or procedure matches the actual data being returned.

1

Identify the SQLScript object (function or procedure) that is causing the error. This can often be found by examining the application logs or tracing the execution flow.

2

Open the SQLScript object in your development environment (e.g., SAP HANA Studio, SAP Business Application Studio).

3

Examine the `RETURNS` clause of the SQLScript object. This defines the expected return type.

CREATE FUNCTION "MY_SCHEMA"."MY_FUNCTION" (IN param1 INT) 
RETURNS TABLE(COLUMN1 VARCHAR(100), COLUMN2 DECIMAL(10,2)) -- Example of a TABLE return type
AS 
BEGIN 
  -- ... function logic ...
  RETURN SELECT COLUMN1, COLUMN2 FROM some_table WHERE id = :param1;
END;

4

Compare the `RETURNS` clause with the actual data being returned by the `RETURN` statement(s) within the function/procedure. Ensure the data types and structure (e.g., single value, table) are consistent.

5

If there's a mismatch, modify the `RETURNS` clause to accurately reflect the data being returned. For example, if you are returning a single scalar value, change the `RETURNS` clause to `RETURNS VARCHAR(50)` or the appropriate scalar type. If you are returning a table, ensure the column names and types in the `RETURNS TABLE(...)` clause match the `SELECT` statement.

CREATE FUNCTION "MY_SCHEMA"."MY_FUNCTION" (IN param1 INT) 
RETURNS VARCHAR(100) -- Corrected to scalar return type
AS 
BEGIN 
  DECLARE result_string VARCHAR(100);
  -- ... function logic to populate result_string ...
  SELECT column_name INTO result_string FROM another_table WHERE id = :param1;
  RETURN :result_string;
END;

6

Save and activate the modified SQLScript object.

2. Adjust Data Type in SELECT Statement medium

Modify the `SELECT` statement within the SQLScript to return data types that are compatible with the declared return type.

1

Locate the SQLScript object causing the error.

2

Inspect the `SELECT` statement(s) that are part of the `RETURN` clause.

RETURN SELECT CAST(numeric_column AS VARCHAR(20)) AS string_column, date_column FROM my_data_table;

3

If the `SELECT` statement is returning data with types that don't align with the `RETURNS` clause (e.g., trying to return a `VARCHAR` where a `DECIMAL` is expected), use explicit type casting within the `SELECT` statement to convert the data to the correct type.

RETURN SELECT numeric_column, CAST(date_column AS VARCHAR(10)) AS formatted_date FROM my_data_table;

4

Ensure that the column aliases in the `SELECT` statement match the column names expected by the `RETURNS TABLE(...)` clause if applicable.

5

Save and activate the SQLScript object.

3. Handle NULL Return Values Appropriately easy

Ensure that if a SQLScript can potentially return NULL, the return type is designed to accommodate this, or logic is in place to prevent NULL returns where not expected.

1

Analyze the SQLScript logic to determine if it's possible for the `RETURN` statement to yield a `NULL` value.

2

If the `RETURNS` clause is expecting a non-nullable type (e.g., a primitive scalar type without explicit nullability handling), and a `NULL` can be returned, this error might occur. Consider if the return type should be nullable.

3

If the SQLScript is designed to return a table, ensure that individual columns within the returned table can accept `NULL` values if the underlying data permits and the application expects it. For scalar returns, if `NULL` is a valid outcome, the `RETURNS` clause might need to be adjusted if it strictly enforces a non-nullable type.

4

Alternatively, add logic within the SQLScript to handle cases where a `NULL` might be generated, for example, by providing a default value or raising a specific error if `NULL` is not a permitted outcome.

CREATE FUNCTION "MY_SCHEMA"."GET_VALUE" (IN key_id INT)
RETURNS VARCHAR(50)
AS 
BEGIN
  DECLARE result_val VARCHAR(50);
  SELECT value INTO result_val FROM my_table WHERE id = :key_id;
  
  IF :result_val IS NULL THEN
    RETURN 'DEFAULT_VALUE'; -- Provide a default if NULL is not allowed
  ELSE
    RETURN :result_val;
  END IF;
END;

5