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Description

Error 257, ERR_SQL_PARSE, indicates that the system encountered an issue parsing an SQL statement due to incorrect syntax. This typically occurs when custom applications, reports, or database operations attempt to execute SQL queries with errors, preventing the database from understanding the command.

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Error Message

ERR_SQL_PARSE

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Known Causes

4 known causes

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Malformed SQL Syntax

The SQL statement contains basic syntax errors such as misspelled keywords, missing commas, unbalanced parentheses, or incorrect clause order.

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Invalid Characters or Encoding

Special characters within the SQL query or data values are not properly escaped or there are character encoding mismatches, leading to parsing failures.

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Database-Specific Syntax Mismatch

The SQL query uses syntax or functions that are not supported by the specific SAP HANA database version or dialect being used.

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Incorrect Variable Binding

Parameters or variables within dynamic SQL are either missing, incorrectly typed, or not properly bound to the query, causing a syntax error during execution.

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Solutions

4 solutions available

1. Review and Correct Custom SQL Statements medium

Identify and fix syntax errors in custom SQL queries executed within S/4HANA.

1

Identify the specific SQL statement causing the error. This usually involves checking ABAP code, custom reports, or any direct SQL access points within S/4HANA.

2

Analyze the SQL statement for common syntax errors. This includes checking for:
- Incorrect keywords (e.g., typos in SELECT, FROM, WHERE)
- Missing or extra commas
- Incorrect use of quotes for string literals
- Unmatched parentheses
- Invalid object names (tables, columns)
- Incorrect use of SQL functions specific to SAP HANA.

3

Use the SAP HANA SQL Console (via SAP HANA Studio or SAP Business Application Studio) to test the corrected SQL statement. This will provide immediate feedback on syntax correctness.

SELECT * FROM "MY_TABLE" WHERE "MY_COLUMN" = 'some_value';

4

Implement the corrected SQL statement in the relevant S/4HANA application or custom code.

2. Check for Reserved Keywords and Object Name Conflicts medium

Ensure custom SQL does not use SAP HANA reserved keywords or conflict with standard S/4HANA object names.

1

Consult the SAP HANA SQL Reference Manual for a list of reserved keywords. Common issues arise from using words like 'DATE', 'LEVEL', 'ORDER' as column or table names without proper quoting.

2

Verify that any custom tables or views created do not have names that conflict with standard SAP S/4HANA tables or views. SAP S/4HANA objects are typically in uppercase and may have prefixes like 'MARA', 'BKPF'.

3

If a conflict is found or a reserved keyword is used, rename the custom object or enclose the object name in double quotes to escape it. For example, if 'DATE' is a column name, use "DATE" in your SQL.

SELECT "DATE" FROM "MY_CUSTOM_TABLE";

4

Re-execute the SQL statement after making these adjustments.

3. Verify S/4HANA System Compatibility and Patch Levels advanced

Ensure the SQL syntax used is compatible with the specific S/4HANA version and its underlying SAP HANA database version and patch level.

1

Determine the exact SAP S/4HANA version and the corresponding SAP HANA database version and patch level of your system. This information is typically available in transaction `SM51` (for application servers) and `ST04` or `DB02` (for database information).

2

Refer to the SAP Notes and release information for your specific S/4HANA and SAP HANA versions. Some SQL constructs or functions might be introduced or deprecated across different releases.

3

If the SQL syntax is intended for a newer version of SAP HANA or S/4HANA, and your system is older, you may need to adapt the syntax or consider a system upgrade. Conversely, if you are using syntax from a much older version, it might not be supported in newer releases.

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Apply any relevant SAP Notes or system updates that address SQL parsing issues or provide support for specific SQL features if deemed necessary and feasible.

4. Analyze SQL Trace for Detailed Error Information medium

Use SQL tracing to capture detailed information about the failing SQL statement and its context.

1

Enable SQL tracing for the user or transaction experiencing the error. This can be done using transaction `ST05` (Performance Analysis) in SAP GUI. Select 'SQL Trace' and then 'Active'.

2

Reproduce the error by executing the transaction or report that triggers the SQL parse error.

3

Disable the SQL trace and then display the trace results using `ST05`. Filter the results to find the SQL statement that failed.

4

Examine the detailed trace output for the failing statement. This often provides more granular information about where the parser encountered an issue, potentially highlighting specific characters or keywords that are problematic.

5

Use the information from the trace to refine your analysis of the SQL syntax, as described in the earlier solutions.

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Related Errors

5 related errors

SAP S/4HANA Error 257: SQL Syntax Parse Error