How to fix the Oracle error PLS-00488: ‘string’ must be a type?

In this post, you’ll learn more about the Oracle ErrorPLS-00488: ‘string’ must be a type with the details on why you receive this error and the possible solution to fix it.

Oracle Error Description

PLS-00488: ‘string’ must be a type

Reason for the Error PLS-00488: ‘string’ must be a type

The datatype specifier in a declaration or expression does not designate a legal type. For example, the %TYPE attribute might not have been added to a declaration, as in DECLARE my_sal emp.sal%TYPE; my_ename emp.ename; — missing %TYPE … When declaring a constant or variable, to provide the datatype of a column automatically, use the %TYPE attribute. Likewise, when declaring a record, to provide the datatypes of a row automatically, use the %ROWTYPE attribute.

How to fix the Error PLS-00488: ‘string’ must be a type ?

You can fix this error in Oracle by following the below steps

Make sure the datatype specifier designates a legal type. Remember to use the %TYPE and %ROWTYPE attributes when necessary.