Validation is used to check data to make sure it fits whatever required specifications are set for it. Typically Validation is used in checking input data, and in verifying data before storage.
Data validation is the process of ensuring that a program operates on clean, correct and useful data. It applies rules or constraints to check for correctness, meaningfulness, and security of data that are input to the system.
The most common reasons for validation are to avoid entering data which violates a database schema, and to prevent unauthorized exploitation of a user interface.
Different kinds of validation
In evaluating the basics of data validation, generalizations can be made regarding the different types of validation, according to the scope, complexity, and purpose of the various validation operations to be carried out.
For example:
- Data type validation;
- Range and constraint validation;
- Code and Cross-reference validation; and
- Structured validation