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Description

Error 256, identified as ERR_SQL, signifies a fundamental problem during the execution of an SQL query within the SAP S/4HANA system. This error typically occurs when the application attempts to interact with its underlying database, but the SQL statement cannot be processed successfully, potentially interrupting business transactions or data retrieval.

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Error Message

ERR_SQL

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Known Causes

4 known causes

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Invalid SQL Statement or Syntax

The system attempted to execute an SQL query with incorrect syntax, invalid parameters, or references to non-existent database objects. This can stem from custom code, misconfigurations, or data inconsistencies.

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Database Connectivity Issues

The connection between SAP S/4HANA and its underlying database server was lost, unstable, or incorrectly configured. This prevents any SQL operations from reaching the database.

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Insufficient Database Resources

The database server ran out of critical resources such as memory, temporary disk space, or available connections, hindering its ability to process the SQL request effectively.

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Database Permissions Violation

The SAP S/4HANA user or service account lacked the necessary database privileges to perform the specific SQL operation requested, resulting in an access denied error.

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Solutions

4 solutions available

1. Analyze SQL Statement and Data Types medium

Examine the problematic SQL statement for syntax errors, incorrect data type usage, or missing columns, and adjust accordingly.

1

Identify the specific SQL statement causing the error. This often requires checking SAP application logs (e.g., ST22, SM21) or the database alert logs. Look for statements associated with the ERR_SQL message.

2

Review the SQL statement for common syntax errors, such as missing commas, incorrect keywords, or mismatched parentheses.

SELECT col1, col2 FROM my_table WHERE col3 = 'value';

3

Verify that the data types of columns used in WHERE clauses, JOIN conditions, and SELECT lists are compatible. Mismatched types (e.g., comparing a string to a number without explicit conversion) can lead to SQL processing errors.

SELECT * FROM sales_orders WHERE order_date = TO_DATE('2023-10-27', 'YYYY-MM-DD');

4

Ensure all referenced columns and tables exist and are spelled correctly. Check for case sensitivity if applicable to your database configuration.

5

If the error occurs during a specific SAP transaction or report, consult SAP notes for known issues related to that functionality and the specific database version.

2. Check Database Statistics and Indexes medium

Ensure database statistics are up-to-date and indexes are properly defined and healthy to optimize SQL query execution.

1

Access the database management tools (e.g., SAP HANA Studio, SQL Developer, or command-line interfaces).

2

Check the statistics for the tables involved in the problematic SQL statement. Outdated statistics can lead the query optimizer to choose inefficient execution plans.

CALL RE_CALCULATE_TABLE_STATISTICS('MY_SCHEMA', 'MY_TABLE');

3

Verify the existence and health of indexes on the relevant columns. Missing or fragmented indexes can significantly degrade performance and cause SQL errors.

SELECT * FROM MY_SCHEMA.INDEXES WHERE TABLE_NAME = 'MY_TABLE';

4

If statistics are outdated or indexes are missing/fragmented, update statistics or recreate/rebuild indexes as necessary. Consult SAP or database vendor documentation for specific commands and best practices.

3. Review Database Configuration and Parameters advanced

Examine critical database parameters and memory allocation to ensure they are appropriately set for SAP S/4HANA workloads.

1

Access the database administration console or configuration files.

2

Review key SAP HANA parameters that affect SQL processing, such as `max_memory_size`, `global_allocation_limit`, and parameters related to query execution and caching. Refer to SAP Notes for recommended values based on your S/4HANA version and hardware.

SELECT * FROM SYS.M_INIFILE_CONTENTS WHERE KEY LIKE '%memory%' OR KEY LIKE '%allocation%';

3

Ensure sufficient memory is allocated to the database instance to handle the workload. Insufficient memory can lead to performance issues and SQL errors.

4

Investigate any recent changes to database configuration parameters. Revert to known good settings if a recent change correlates with the error.

5

Consult SAP Notes and the SAP HANA Administration Guide for specific parameter recommendations for your S/4HANA environment.

4. Trace and Debug SQL Execution advanced

Utilize database tracing tools to capture detailed execution plans and identify the exact point of failure within the SQL statement.

1

Enable SQL tracing on the database for the user or application experiencing the error. The method for enabling tracing varies by database system (e.g., SAP HANA tracing, Oracle SQL Trace).

ALTER SYSTEM ALTER CONFIGURATION ('indexserver.ini', 'SYSTEM') SET ('trace', 'sql_trace') = 'true' WITH RECONFIGURE;

2

Reproduce the error while tracing is active.

3

Collect the trace files generated by the database.

4

Analyze the trace files using appropriate tools (e.g., `tkprof` for Oracle, SAP HANA trace analysis tools). Look for the SQL statement that failed and examine its execution plan, resource consumption, and any error messages within the trace.

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Use the information from the trace to pinpoint the specific part of the SQL statement or database operation causing the ERR_SQL error and address it.

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Related Errors

5 related errors

SAP S/4HANA Error 256: SQL Processing Error