How to set up Convalida with Kotlin and Data Binding?

Add convalida-runtime and convalida-compiler dependencies, use kapt for annotation processing, and integrate validation rules in your Data Binding layouts or ViewModels for real-time feedback.

Convalida vs Android's built-in validation like TextInputLayout?

Convalida offers compile-time safety and flexible integration options, while Android's built-in solutions are simpler but lack advanced features like custom validators or Data Binding hooks.

Does Convalida support asynchronous validation, like network checks?

Not out-of-the-box; you'd need to implement custom validators with async logic, as the library focuses on synchronous field validation without native coroutine support.

How to display error messages with Convalida in a RecyclerView?

Bind validation results to your adapter items using Data Binding or the Kotlin DSL, then update UI elements manually since Convalida doesn't provide pre-styled error components.

Is Convalida compatible with Java projects or only Kotlin?

Yes, it fully supports Java through annotations and Data Binding, and the Kotlin DSL is optional, making it versatile for both language preferences.

What happens if the Convalida website documentation is down?

You'd rely on the basic README and source code, which might be insufficient for complex use cases, highlighting a dependency on external resources.

Convalida — Android Field Validation Library

What is Convalida?

Convalida is a field validation library for Android that simplifies validating user input in forms and fields. It helps developers ensure data correctness and provide immediate feedback to users, reducing errors and improving app reliability. The library supports multiple integration methods including annotations, Data Binding, and a Kotlin DSL.

Target Audience

Android developers building apps with forms or user input fields who need a reliable and easy-to-integrate validation solution. It's suitable for projects using Java, Kotlin, or Android Data Binding.

Value Proposition

Developers choose Convalida for its simplicity, lightweight footprint, and flexibility—offering annotation-based validation with compile-time checks, Data Binding support, and a Kotlin DSL for modern Android development without unnecessary complexity.

A simple, lightweight and powerful field validation library for Android.

Use Cases

Best For

Validating form inputs in Android apps with immediate error feedback
Integrating validation with Android Data Binding for reactive UIs
Using annotation-based validation with compile-time code generation
Adopting a Kotlin DSL for concise and idiomatic validation logic
Adding custom validation rules to meet specific business requirements
Keeping validation logic separate from UI code for cleaner architecture

Not Ideal For

Apps built with Jetpack Compose, as it's optimized for XML-based layouts and Data Binding
Cross-platform projects needing validation on iOS or web, since it's Android-specific
Teams wanting pre-styled error components without custom UI work, as it focuses on validation logic

Pros & Cons

Pros

Compile-Time Validation

Annotation-based rules are processed at compile time, reducing runtime errors and improving code safety, as highlighted in the features.

Data Binding Integration

Seamlessly works with Android's Data Binding framework for reactive validation updates without boilerplate code, per the README.

Kotlin DSL Support

The convalida-ktx module provides an idiomatic Kotlin DSL for concise validation syntax, catering to modern Android development.

Lightweight and Simple

Minimal dependencies and easy setup, focusing on core validation without bloat, as emphasized in the philosophy.

Cons

No Jetpack Compose Support

Limited to traditional Android views and Data Binding, with no native integration for Jetpack Compose, which is increasingly popular.

External Documentation Reliance

Detailed docs are on a separate website; if poorly maintained, developers may struggle, as the README only provides basic setup info.

Custom Validator Overhead

While custom validators are supported, complex logic requires more development effort compared to libraries with extensive pre-built rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Convalida?

Target Audience

Android developers building apps with forms or user input fields who need a reliable and easy-to-integrate validation solution. It's suitable for projects using Java, Kotlin, or Android Data Binding.

Value Proposition

Use Cases

Best For

Validating form inputs in Android apps with immediate error feedback
Integrating validation with Android Data Binding for reactive UIs
Using annotation-based validation with compile-time code generation
Adopting a Kotlin DSL for concise and idiomatic validation logic
Adding custom validation rules to meet specific business requirements
Keeping validation logic separate from UI code for cleaner architecture

Not Ideal For

Apps built with Jetpack Compose, as it's optimized for XML-based layouts and Data Binding
Cross-platform projects needing validation on iOS or web, since it's Android-specific
Teams wanting pre-styled error components without custom UI work, as it focuses on validation logic

Pros & Cons

Pros

Compile-Time Validation

Annotation-based rules are processed at compile time, reducing runtime errors and improving code safety, as highlighted in the features.

Data Binding Integration

Seamlessly works with Android's Data Binding framework for reactive validation updates without boilerplate code, per the README.

Kotlin DSL Support

The convalida-ktx module provides an idiomatic Kotlin DSL for concise validation syntax, catering to modern Android development.

Lightweight and Simple

Minimal dependencies and easy setup, focusing on core validation without bloat, as emphasized in the philosophy.

Cons

No Jetpack Compose Support

Limited to traditional Android views and Data Binding, with no native integration for Jetpack Compose, which is increasingly popular.

External Documentation Reliance

Detailed docs are on a separate website; if poorly maintained, developers may struggle, as the README only provides basic setup info.

Custom Validator Overhead

While custom validators are supported, complex logic requires more development effort compared to libraries with extensive pre-built rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

Convalida

What is Convalida?

Overview

Use Cases

Best For

Not Ideal For

Pros & Cons

Pros

Cons

Frequently Asked Questions

Found a gem we're missing?

Convalida

What is Convalida?

Overview

Use Cases

Best For

Not Ideal For

Pros & Cons

Pros

Cons

Frequently Asked Questions

Found a gem we're missing?