How to use validation in Retool forms?

 

Using Validation in Retool Forms

 

Incorporating validation within Retool forms is essential for ensuring data integrity and enhancing user experience. Below is a comprehensive guide detailing the step-by-step process to effectively utilize validation in your Retool applications.

 

Prerequisites

 

• Make sure you have an active Retool account and access to the application where you plan to implement form validation.
• Basic understanding of JavaScript and how forms work within Retool.

 

Accessing Your Retool Application

 

• Log in to your Retool account and navigate to the application where you wish to implement validation.
• Open the app editor to access the design interface and underlying logic of your application.

 

Creating a Form

 

• Select the 'Form' component from the component library and drag it onto your application canvas.
• Configure the form by adding fields such as Text Input, Select, and others as required by your application.

 

Implementing Field-Level Validation

 

• Click on a form field and navigate to its properties pane. Locate the “Validation” section in the options available.
• Select or set validation type (e.g., Email, Number) based on the nature of the field.
• Use the "Custom Validation" field to input your JavaScript expression for more complex validations.
• Example custom validation logic:

      (value) => value.length > 5 ? true : 'Must be more than 5 characters'
      

 

Integrating Form-Level Validation

 

• Access the form's general settings and find the section for form-level validation. This governs the form as a whole before submission.
• Add JavaScript logic here to ensure complete form validation. The logic should return true if valid or an error message if invalid.
• Example script:

      () => {
        return !!(textInput.value && emailInput.value && isValidEmail(emailInput.value))
          ? true 
          : 'All fields are required and Email must be valid';
      }
      

 

Handling Validation Messages

 

• Configure the "Error State" settings of each field to define how validation errors will be displayed to users.
• You can customize error messages or styles, ensuring the user is informed when issues arise.

 

Connecting Validation Logic to Form Submission

 

• Implement a 'Run' button to execute your data submission logic only after successful validation.
• In the 'Run' button actions, bind the submission action to the form's validation output. Add necessary checks as follows:

      if (formRef.isValid()) {
        // submit your form data
      } else {
        // alert or notify user of validation errors
      }
      

 

Testing the Validation Functionality

 

• Enter various test cases and edge conditions in your form fields to ensure that your validation logic flags issues correctly.
• Use Retool’s debugging tools to help trace any issues or unforeseen errors in your validation setup.

 

Deploying Your Application

 

• Once validation is successfully tested and integrated, proceed to deploy your application to the required environment.
• Check the form validation on different devices and contexts to ensure a seamless user experience.

 

By adhering to these detailed instructions, you ensure a robust implementation of validation in your Retool forms, leading to cleaner data handling and a more cohesive user experience.