Error
Error Code:
5140
SAP S/4HANA Error 5140: Invalid Annotation Found
Description
This error indicates that an annotation used within an SAP S/4HANA application, such as a CDS view, Fiori app, or custom development, is syntactically incorrect, improperly placed, or refers to a non-existent definition. It typically occurs during activation, deployment, or runtime when the system attempts to process the metadata.
Error Message
ERR_TEXT_COMMON_INVALID_ANNOTATION
Known Causes
4 known causesIncorrect Annotation Syntax
The annotation contains a typo, missing comma, incorrect parameter, or improper structure, preventing the system from parsing it correctly.
Misapplied Annotation Context
An annotation is used in a context where it is not supported or applicable, leading to a validation failure during processing.
Undefined Annotation Reference
The annotation refers to an object, field, or definition that does not exist or is not accessible within the current scope.
Version Incompatibility
An annotation used is specific to a different SAP S/4HANA version or feature pack and is not supported in the current system landscape.
Solutions
4 solutions available1. Verify Annotation Syntax in CDS Views easy
Correct syntax errors in the annotation definitions within your CDS views.
1
Identify the specific CDS view that is causing the error. This is usually indicated in the SAP system logs (e.g., SM21, ST22) or the application logs where the error occurs.
2
Open the identified CDS view in SAP's ABAP Development Tools (ADT) for Eclipse or SAP Business Application Studio.
3
Carefully review the annotation syntax. Common errors include missing commas, incorrect annotation names (typos), missing or misplaced parentheses, and incorrect data types for annotation values.
Example of a potentially incorrect annotation:
@Analytics.dataCategory: #CUBE
@Analytics.dataCategory: #FACT, // Duplicate or incorrect syntax
@Consumption.filter: { selectionField: '@UI.selectionField' }4
Correct any identified syntax errors. Ensure that annotation names are spelled correctly and follow the SAP annotation specification. For example, ensure that boolean values are `true` or `false` (lowercase) and that string values are enclosed in single quotes.
Example of a corrected annotation:
@Analytics.dataCategory: #CUBE
@Consumption.filter: { selectionField: '@UI.selectionField' }5
Activate the corrected CDS view. In ADT, this can be done by right-clicking the CDS view and selecting 'Activate'.
6
Re-run the operation that previously failed. If the syntax was the issue, the error should be resolved.
2. Check Annotation Usage for Correct Context medium
Ensure annotations are applied to the correct elements within the CDS view.
1
Locate the CDS view reporting the 5140 error.
2
Examine the annotations applied to entities, elements, and associations within the CDS view. Annotations are context-dependent.
Example:
@OData.publish: true
@VDM.viewType: #BASIC
@Analytics.dataCategory: #FACT
define view Z_MY_CDS_VIEW as select from some_table {
key field1, // Annotation @UI.lineItem might belong here
field2, // Annotation @Consumption.filter might belong to a field
field3 // Annotation @Semantics.amount.currencyCode might belong to a currency field
}3
Consult SAP's documentation for the specific annotation being used to understand its valid placement and required parameters. For example, UI annotations like `@UI.lineItem` or `@UI.selectionField` are typically applied to CDS view elements, while OData annotations like `@OData.publish` are applied to the view itself.
4
Ensure that annotations are not being applied to elements where they are not supported or expected. For instance, an annotation meant for a field might be incorrectly placed on an association or vice-versa.
Incorrect placement example:
@UI.lineItem
define view Z_MY_CDS_VIEW as select from some_table {
key field1,
field2
}5
Correct any misplaced annotations to their appropriate context within the CDS view definition.
6
Activate the CDS view and re-test the functionality.
3. Refresh SAP Gateway (OData) Service Cache easy
Clear the OData service cache in SAP Gateway to ensure the latest CDS view definitions are used.
1
Access the SAP Gateway client or transaction SPRO.
2
Navigate to transaction `/IWFND/MAINT_SERVICE` (SAP Gateway Service Maintenance).
3
Find the OData service that is associated with the failing CDS view. You might need to search by system alias, service name, or service version.
4
Select the service and click the 'SAP Gateway Client' button if you want to test directly, or proceed to clear the cache.
5
To clear the cache, go to transaction `SMICM` (Internet Communication Manager).
6
In SMICM, navigate to 'Goto' > 'Trace File' > 'Reset' > 'Gateway'. Alternatively, you can restart the ICM (Goto > Exit Program > Exit and Force Restart) if the gateway reset doesn't resolve it, but this is more disruptive.
7
For OData services specifically, you can also clear the metadata cache by going to transaction `/IWBEP/CACHE_CLEANUP` and selecting 'Clear Cache' for the relevant service.
8
Re-run the application or operation that triggered the error. The updated metadata from the CDS view should now be recognized.
4. Review and Re-activate Dependent Objects medium
Reactivate all objects that depend on the problematic CDS view.
1
Identify the CDS view that is causing the 5140 error.
2
Use the 'Where-Used List' functionality in ADT (right-click on the CDS view > 'Where-Used List') to find all objects that consume this CDS view. This can include other CDS views, ABAP reports, Fiori applications, etc.
3
For each dependent object, especially other CDS views or ABAP objects that directly reference it, attempt to reactivate them. In ADT, right-click and select 'Activate'. For ABAP programs, use transaction `SE80` or `SE38` and activate the object.
4
Pay close attention to any activation errors that occur during this process. These might reveal further issues related to annotations or data model inconsistencies.
5
If a dependent object itself has annotation errors, address those first before re-activating.
6
Once all dependent objects are successfully activated, re-test the original operation.