Error
Error Code:
316
SAP S/4HANA Error 316: Invalid SQL Function Arguments
Description
This error indicates that a SQL function or stored procedure was invoked with an incorrect number of parameters. It typically occurs when custom applications, reports, or interfaces interact with the SAP S/4HANA database, providing an argument list that doesn't match the function's definition.
Error Message
ERR_SQL_INV_NUM_ARG_FUNC
Known Causes
4 known causesMismatched Function Signature
A SQL function or stored procedure was called with an argument list that does not match its defined parameter count and types.
Dynamic SQL Generation Flaw
Custom code or an application component dynamically constructed a SQL query, leading to an incorrect number of arguments being passed to a database function.
Database Object Changes
The signature of a database function might have changed due to an upgrade, patch, or manual modification, making existing calls invalid.
External Integration Inconsistency
Data provided by an integrated external system led to a SQL function call with an unexpected or incorrect argument count.
Solutions
3 solutions available1. Review and Correct Function Arguments in Custom SQL medium
Identify and fix incorrect arguments passed to SQL functions within custom ABAP or SQLScript code.
1
Identify the specific SQL statement or ABAP code that is triggering the error. This often involves checking recent code changes or debugging the application logic.
2
Examine the SQL functions being used (e.g., `CONCAT`, `SUBSTR`, `CAST`, date functions, mathematical functions). Pay close attention to the number and data types of arguments provided to these functions.
Example: In ABAP, a statement like `SELECT CONCAT(field1, field2, field3) FROM table` might fail if `CONCAT` expects only two arguments. Correct it to `SELECT CONCAT(field1, field2) FROM table` or use a different approach if concatenation of three fields is intended.3
Consult the SAP HANA SQL Reference Manual or the relevant SAP S/4HANA documentation for the exact syntax and expected arguments for each SQL function in use. This is crucial for understanding data type compatibility as well.
4
Modify the SQL statement or ABAP code to ensure that the correct number and compatible data types of arguments are passed to each function. Test the corrected code thoroughly.
Example: If a date function expects a `DATE` type but receives a `VARCHAR`, you may need to use `CAST(your_varchar_field AS DATE)`.2. Validate Data Types in Input Parameters for Stored Procedures/Functions medium
Ensure that the data types of input parameters passed to SAP HANA stored procedures or user-defined functions match their definitions.
1
Locate the stored procedure or user-defined function that is being called and is suspected of causing the error.
2
Review the definition of the stored procedure or function to understand the expected data types for each input parameter. This can be done using SAP HANA Studio, SAP Business Application Studio, or by querying the system catalog views.
Query to check procedure parameters:
sql
SELECT PARAMETER_NAME, DATA_TYPE, DIRECTION
FROM SYS.PROCEDURE_PARAMETERS
WHERE PROCEDURE_NAME = 'YOUR_PROCEDURE_NAME' AND SCHEMA_NAME = 'YOUR_SCHEMA_NAME';
3
Examine the code or application logic that calls this stored procedure or function. Verify that the values being passed as arguments have data types that are compatible with the defined parameter types. Implicit conversions might not always work as expected.
Example: If a procedure expects an `INTEGER` parameter and you pass a `VARCHAR` value like '123', it might fail. Ensure you are passing a numeric value or explicitly casting it if necessary.4
Adjust the calling code to pass arguments with the correct data types. If necessary, use explicit `CAST` operations within the calling code or before passing the values.
Example: `CALL YOUR_SCHEMA_NAME.YOUR_PROCEDURE_NAME(CAST('123' AS INTEGER), ...);`3. Address Data Inconsistencies or Unexpected Nulls in Function Arguments easy
Check for and handle situations where null values or unexpected data formats are passed to SQL functions that do not support them.
1
Identify the SQL function and the fields/variables that are being passed as arguments. This often involves debugging the application or SQL query.
2
For functions that do not handle `NULL` values gracefully (e.g., string concatenation, mathematical operations), use `COALESCE` or `CASE` statements to provide a default value or skip the operation when a `NULL` is encountered.
Example: Instead of `SELECT field1 || field2 FROM table`, use `SELECT COALESCE(field1, '') || COALESCE(field2, '') FROM table` to treat nulls as empty strings.3
If the error occurs with specific data values, investigate the source of that data. Ensure data integrity and that fields intended for specific function use are populated with valid, non-null values.
4
Test the modified SQL statements or application logic with various data scenarios, including edge cases with nulls and empty strings, to confirm the error is resolved.