Glossary · Automation software engineering and architecture
Schema validation
Also known as: Schema check
German: Schemavalidierung
In data processing, schema validation is the automated check of a data document, such as XML, JSON or a configuration file, against a schema that defines its permitted structure, data types, values and required elements.
- Software engineering
In one sentence
Schema validation checks a data document such as XML or JSON against a schema defining its allowed structure, types and values.
Example
Before a recipe file is loaded into the batch system, it is validated against the recipe JSON Schema, and a file with a missing temperature unit is rejected.
Explained in context
Context cards connect this term with others to answer one question. Also in British English and German.
How it applies
- Engineering: Validating at every interface catches malformed data early and produces precise error messages. Schema languages include XML Schema, JSON Schema and the schemas of AutomationML or OPC UA information models.
- Limits: A schema checks structure and simple constraints; business rules and plausibility need additional Data validation.
- Documentation: Documentation teams use schema validation themselves: DITA and other XML content is validated against DTDs or schemas in the build. For data formats users edit, publish the schema and document the fields in human-readable form.
Schema validation vs. data validation
Schema validation checks conformance to a formal structure. Data validation is broader and includes plausibility, ranges, cross-field rules and checks against other data.