validating-flow

name	validating-flow
description	Validates a compiled Robomotion flow against pspec schemas via `robomotion validate <flow-dir>`. Exits 0 on clean, 1 on error with node-by-node report on stderr; no stdout output (composes in shell pipelines). Use when the user says "validate this flow", "check the flow", "is this correct", or before running. Does NOT run the flow — for behavioral tests use testing-flow.

Validating a Robomotion Flow

Build + validate a flow against pspec schemas, including all subflows.

When to use

• After writing or editing a flow with the TypeScript SDK
• Before running or committing a flow
• In a tight validate-then-fix loop while iterating

Usage

robomotion validate <flow-dir>           # e.g. robomotion validate write-to-clipboard
robomotion validate                       # defaults to main.ts in cwd
robomotion validate path/to/main.ts       # also accepts a file

On success, exits 0 with ✔ <name> validated on stderr and no stdout — composes cleanly:

robomotion validate write-to-clipboard/ && robomotion run write-to-clipboard/

On failure, exits 1 and prints structured node-by-node errors on stderr. Designer side files (*.designer.ts) are NOT regenerated on validate — use robomotion build when you want JSON output or designer refresh.

What it checks

• Node property names against pspec schemas (catches typos, wrong casing, invented properties)
• Port numbers (exceeding a node's output count)
• Node types exist in their package's pspec

What it does NOT check

• Loop wiring patterns (Goto→Label) — manual review
• Missing required properties — manual review
• Variable references (Message('varName') matching upstream writes) — manual review
• Business logic correctness

Validate-then-fix loop

robomotion validate write-to-clipboard/    # exit 1, error report on stderr
# read the error, edit main.ts to fix, then:
robomotion validate write-to-clipboard/    # exit 0

Common errors and fixes

Error fragment	Fix
Unknown property 'inCode'	Use robomotion describe node <type> to see the real property list.
Node type X not found in pspec	Use robomotion get nodes <keyword> to find the correct name.
Invalid output port N	Check node's output count with robomotion describe node <type>.
Could not load pspec for Package	Verify namespace spelling; use robomotion get packages <keyword>.

Pre-run checklist

• robomotion validate exits 0
• Loops have Goto→Label wiring (manual check)
• Required properties set (manual check)
• Port numbers correct for multi-output nodes

Related Skills

• creating-flow — generate a flow
• running-flow — execute after validation
• searching-packages — find correct node types / packages