DDLS518 - Error statement generation of CAST for arithmetic operand & for DB & (&)

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: DDLS - For DDL source handling

• Message number: 518

• Message text: Error statement generation of CAST for arithmetic operand & for DB & (&)

Self-Explanatory Message

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message DDLS518 - Error statement generation of CAST for arithmetic operand & for DB & (&) ?

  The SAP error message DDLS518 typically occurs during the generation of a Data Definition Language (DDL) statement, particularly when there is an issue with the CAST operation for arithmetic operands in a database context. This error can arise in various scenarios, such as when creating or altering database objects, or when executing certain SQL statements.
  Cause:
  The error message DDLS518 indicates that there is a problem with the data types being used in an arithmetic operation. Specifically, it suggests that the system is unable to generate the necessary SQL statement for the CAST operation due to incompatible data types or an invalid expression. Common causes include:
  
  
  Incompatible Data Types: The operands involved in the arithmetic operation may not be compatible for casting. For example, trying to perform arithmetic on a string and a number without proper conversion.
  
  
  Invalid SQL Syntax: There may be an issue with the SQL syntax in the statement being executed, leading to the failure of the CAST operation.
  
  
  Database-Specific Limitations: Different databases have different rules regarding type casting and arithmetic operations. The error may arise if the SQL statement is not compliant with the specific database's requirements.
  
  
  Null Values: If one of the operands is NULL, it may lead to issues in arithmetic operations, especially if not handled properly.
  
  
  Solution:
  To resolve the DDLS518 error, consider the following steps:
  
  
  Check Data Types: Review the data types of the operands involved in the arithmetic operation. Ensure that they are compatible and can be cast appropriately. You may need to explicitly convert data types using the CAST or CONVERT functions.
  
  
  Review SQL Syntax: Examine the SQL statement for any syntax errors. Ensure that the statement adheres to the SQL standards and the specific requirements of the database you are using.
  
  
  Handle Null Values: If there are potential NULL values in the operands, consider using functions like COALESCE or IFNULL to provide default values and avoid arithmetic errors.
  
  
  Test in Isolation: If possible, isolate the problematic SQL statement and test it independently to identify the exact cause of the error.
  
  
  Consult Documentation: Refer to the SAP documentation or the documentation for the specific database you are using to understand the rules regarding type casting and arithmetic operations.
  
  
  Debugging: If you have access to debugging tools, use them to trace the execution of the SQL statement and identify where the error occurs.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Notes: Check SAP Notes for any known issues or patches related to this error message. SAP frequently updates its knowledge base with solutions for common errors.
  Database Documentation: Review the documentation for the specific database you are using (e.g., HANA, Oracle, SQL Server) for details on type casting and arithmetic operations.
  Community Forums: Consider searching or posting in SAP community forums or Stack Overflow for additional insights from other users who may have encountered the same issue.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the cause of the DDLS518 error in your SAP environment.