Error
Error Code:
260
SAP S/4HANA Error 260: Invalid SQL Column Name
Description
Error 260, ERR_SQL_INV_COLUMN, indicates that a database query or operation attempted to reference a column that either does not exist in the specified table or is misspelled. This typically occurs during custom development, data imports, or integrations when SQL statements are incorrectly formulated or when database schema changes are not reflected in application code.
Error Message
ERR_SQL_INV_COLUMN
Known Causes
4 known causesMisspelled Column Name
An SQL query or configuration contains a typographical error in a column name, preventing the database from finding it.
Column Does Not Exist
The referenced column genuinely does not exist in the specified database table, possibly due to a schema change or incorrect table selection.
Case Sensitivity Mismatch
The column name in the query does not match the exact case of the column name in the database, which can be an issue in case-sensitive database environments.
Incorrect Table Reference
The query is referencing the wrong table or view where the intended column does not exist, leading to an invalid column error.
Solutions
4 solutions available1. Verify Column Name in ABAP Code easy
The most common cause is a typo or incorrect reference to a column name within the ABAP program that is executing the SQL statement.
1
Identify the ABAP program and transaction code that is triggering the error. This information is usually available in the ST22 dump or SM21 system log.
2
Access the ABAP editor (SE38 or SE80) and locate the problematic SQL statement within the identified program.
3
Carefully review the column names used in the `SELECT`, `WHERE`, `GROUP BY`, `ORDER BY`, or `HAVING` clauses. Compare them against the actual column names in the database table definition.
4
Pay close attention to case sensitivity (though typically SQL is case-insensitive for identifiers, ABAP can sometimes be sensitive in certain contexts or if quoted identifiers are used incorrectly). Ensure there are no leading/trailing spaces or special characters.
5
If the column name is incorrect, correct it in the ABAP code and activate the program.
6
Test the transaction again to confirm the error is resolved.
2. Check Table Definition in DDIC medium
Ensure the column name actually exists in the SAP Data Dictionary (DDIC) definition of the table being queried.
1
Use transaction code `SE11` to access the ABAP Dictionary.
2
Enter the name of the database table involved in the error and click 'Display'.
3
Navigate to the 'Fields' tab and meticulously check the list of available columns. Verify that the column name causing the error exists exactly as it is referenced in the SQL statement.
4
If the column name is missing or misspelled in DDIC, you will need to correct the table definition. This is a more involved process and might require coordination with functional consultants and potentially an ABAP developer to add or rename the field. It's crucial to understand the impact of such changes on existing data and processes.
5
If the column name exists but is different from what the ABAP code expects (e.g., a typo in the ABAP code), correct the ABAP code as per the first solution.
3. Analyze Runtime SQL Trace advanced
Examine a runtime SQL trace to pinpoint the exact SQL statement and its context, aiding in the identification of the invalid column.
1
Execute transaction code `ST05` (Performance Analysis) for the user and client experiencing the error.
2
Select 'SQL Trace' and click 'Activate Trace'.
3
Perform the action in SAP S/4HANA that triggers the error.
4
Go back to `ST05`, click 'Deactivate Trace', and then click 'Display Trace'.
5
Filter the trace results for the specific program or transaction that caused the error. Look for SQL statements that are failing.
6
Analyze the failing SQL statement in the trace. The error message 'ERR_SQL_INV_COLUMN' should be associated with a specific SQL statement and highlight the problematic column name.
7
Use the identified column name and the context from the trace to debug the ABAP code (using `SE38`/`SE80` and the ABAP debugger) or verify the DDIC definition (`SE11`).
4. Investigate Table View Consistency medium
If the error occurs with a database view, ensure the underlying tables and their columns are consistent with the view definition.
1
Identify the database view being accessed. This information might be found in the ABAP code or the error dump.
2
Use transaction code `SE11` to display the definition of the database view.
3
Examine the 'Join Conditions' and 'Fields' tabs of the view definition. Note the names of the tables and columns involved.
4
For each table used in the view, use `SE11` to display its DDIC definition and verify that all columns referenced in the view exist and are spelled correctly.
5
If a column is missing or misspelled in one of the underlying tables, it will cause this error when the view is queried. Correct the DDIC definition of the underlying table(s) or adjust the view definition to match the available columns.
6
Ensure that any generated SQL statements within the view definition correctly reference the column names of the underlying tables.