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Description

This error indicates that an API call or database operation attempted to use a 'forward-only' cursor type in a context where it is explicitly disallowed. This typically occurs when a process expects a scrollable or updatable cursor, but a restricted cursor type is provided.

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Error Message

ERR_API_NO_CURSOR_FWD: Cursor type of forward is not allowed

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Known Causes

4 known causes

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Incorrect API Call or Query

An API request or database query was made specifying a forward-only cursor when the target operation or underlying system requires a different cursor type (e.g., scrollable, updatable).

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Database Driver/Connector Issue

The database driver or connector used for the integration might be misconfigured, outdated, or have limitations that prevent the proper handling of cursor types required by SAP S/4HANA operations.

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Custom Code Incompatibility

Custom ABAP developments, Fiori extensions, or external integrations are attempting a data operation that implicitly or explicitly requests a forward-only cursor, clashing with the database or API requirements.

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Underlying Database Restriction

The specific database system or its configuration used by SAP S/4HANA might impose restrictions on cursor types for certain operations, disallowing forward-only cursors in particular contexts.

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Solutions

3 solutions available

1. Review and Correct Cursor Declaration in ABAP Programs medium

Identify and fix ABAP programs that incorrectly use forward cursors for operations requiring different cursor types.

1

Identify ABAP programs that are causing this error. This usually involves analyzing the ST22 dump or SM21 logs to pinpoint the affected program and transaction.

2

Examine the ABAP code within the identified programs. Look for `OPEN CURSOR` statements or implicit cursor usage.

DATA: lt_data TYPE STANDARD TABLE OF some_structure.

SELECT * FROM some_table INTO TABLE lt_data.

" Incorrect usage might look like this if it implicitly tries a forward cursor where not allowed:
" LOOP AT lt_data.
"   ...
" ENDLOOP.

" Instead, ensure the cursor type is appropriate for the operation. For example, if a forward cursor is explicitly needed and allowed:
" OPEN CURSOR WITH HOLD cursor_name FOR SELECT * FROM some_table.
" FETCH NEXT CURSOR cursor_name INTO ...
" CLOSE CURSOR cursor_name.

3

For operations that explicitly require a non-forward cursor type (e.g., backward navigation, or specific database features), modify the `OPEN CURSOR` statement to use the correct cursor type. If a forward cursor is indeed intended and the error persists, investigate the underlying database interaction or SAP Note.

OPEN CURSOR WITH HOLD cursor_name FOR SELECT * FROM some_table ORDER BY primary_key.
" Or if a different cursor type is required:
" OPEN CURSOR WITH HOLD cursor_name FOR SELECT * FROM some_table FOR UPDATE.

4

If the error is encountered within a standard SAP program or function module, search for relevant SAP Notes. SAP often releases corrections for such issues.

2. Analyze Database-Specific Cursor Behavior and SAP Interaction advanced

Understand how the underlying database (e.g., HANA) handles cursors and ensure SAP's ABAP layer is compatible.

1

Identify the database system used by your SAP S/4HANA system (e.g., SAP HANA).

2

Consult the database documentation for specific limitations or best practices regarding cursor types, especially 'forward only' cursors. Some database versions or configurations might have restrictions.

3

Examine the SQL generated by the ABAP program that is failing. Tools like the SQL Trace (ST05) can be invaluable here.

4

If the SQL trace reveals custom SQL statements or complex joins that might be triggering the error due to how the database optimizer handles cursors, consider rewriting the SQL or optimizing the query.

SELECT column1, column2 FROM your_table WHERE condition;

-- Potentially problematic if it implies a forward-only operation that's not supported in context:
-- SELECT * FROM your_table FOR UPDATE;

5

Check for SAP Notes related to cursor handling and performance for your specific S/4HANA version and database combination. SAP Notes often provide workarounds or patches for database-specific incompatibilities.

3. Apply SAP Notes for Cursor Handling Issues medium

Deploy relevant SAP Notes that address known bugs or limitations in cursor management within S/4HANA.

1

Access the SAP Support Portal (launchpad.support.sap.com).

2

Search for SAP Notes using keywords like 'ERR_API_NO_CURSOR_FWD', '577', 'invalid forward cursor type', and your S/4HANA version.

3

Carefully review the identified SAP Notes for relevance to your specific error scenario and system landscape (S/4HANA version, database, support package level).

4

If a relevant SAP Note is found, plan and execute the implementation of the note using SAP's transaction SNOTE. This may involve manual steps or automatic transport requests.

Transaction: SNOTE
1. Download the relevant SAP Note.
2. Upload and implement the note.

5

After implementing the SAP Note, thoroughly test the affected functionality to confirm the error is resolved.

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Related Errors

5 related errors

SAP S/4HANA Error 577: Invalid Forward Cursor Type