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Description

This error occurs in SQL queries within SAP S/4HANA when a column in the SELECT list is not an aggregate function and is also missing from the GROUP BY clause. It signifies a violation of standard SQL aggregation rules, preventing the query from executing correctly.

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Error Message

ERR_SQL_NOT_GROUP_EXP: Not a GROUP BY expression

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Known Causes

3 known causes

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Missing Column in GROUP BY

A non-aggregated column included in the SELECT statement is omitted from the GROUP BY clause.

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Incorrect Aggregation Usage

The query attempts to mix aggregated results with individual column details without defining the proper grouping criteria.

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Subquery/View Aggregation Issue

The error originates from an underlying subquery, Common Table Expression (CTE), or database view where aggregation rules are violated.

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Solutions

3 solutions available

1. Include Non-Aggregated Columns in GROUP BY easy

Ensure all columns in the SELECT list that are not aggregate functions are present in the GROUP BY clause.

1

Analyze the SQL query that is failing with error 277. Identify all columns in the SELECT list. For each column that is NOT an aggregate function (like SUM, COUNT, AVG, MIN, MAX), verify that it is included in the GROUP BY clause.

SELECT column1, column2, COUNT(*) FROM your_table WHERE condition GROUP BY column1, column2;

2

If a non-aggregated column is missing from the GROUP BY clause, add it. For example, if you have `SELECT column1, column2, COUNT(*)` and the original GROUP BY was only `GROUP BY column1`, you need to change it to `GROUP BY column1, column2`.

SELECT column1, column2, COUNT(*) FROM your_table WHERE condition GROUP BY column1, column2;

3

Re-execute the SQL query. The error should be resolved if the issue was a missing column in the GROUP BY clause.

2. Use Aggregate Functions for Unaggregated Columns medium

If a column is intended to be displayed but its value can vary within a group, apply an aggregate function to it.

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Examine the SELECT list of the problematic query. If a column is present that is not in the GROUP BY clause and is not an aggregate, consider what its intended value should be for each group. If any value from the group is acceptable, use an aggregate function like MIN() or MAX().

SELECT column1, MAX(column2) AS max_column2, COUNT(*) FROM your_table WHERE condition GROUP BY column1;

2

Alternatively, if you need to ensure a consistent value for a column within a group, and it's not inherently unique, you might need to rethink your grouping strategy or the business logic.

3

Modify the query to incorporate the chosen aggregate function and re-test.

3. Review SAP S/4HANA CDS View Definitions advanced

For errors originating from SAP S/4HANA CDS views, the issue often lies in the view's definition itself.

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If the error occurs within an SAP S/4HANA CDS view (e.g., when running a query against a CDS view or when the CDS view is used in an ABAP report), navigate to the CDS view definition using transaction SE11 or SE11-like interfaces in Fiori. Identify the CDS view by its name.

2

Examine the `GROUP BY` clause within the CDS view's SQL-like syntax. Ensure that all non-aggregated fields in the `SELECT` list are also present in the `GROUP BY` clause.

define view my_cds_view as select from some_table {
  key field1,
  field2,
  count(field3) as count_field3
} group by field1; -- Incorrect if field2 is also selected without aggregation

3

Correct the CDS view definition by adding missing fields to the `GROUP BY` clause or by applying appropriate aggregate functions to them.

define view my_cds_view as select from some_table {
  key field1,
  field2,
  count(field3) as count_field3
} group by field1, field2; -- Corrected

4

Activate the corrected CDS view. Any reports or queries using this view should now execute without the 'Invalid GROUP BY Clause' error.

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Related Errors

5 related errors

SAP S/4HANA Error 277: Invalid GROUP BY Clause