Understanding Data Validation

As you enter values in cells associated with layouts, Oracle Visual Builder Add-in for Excel validates the cell's content based on the configuration of the workbook.

Description of the illustration data_validation.png

Validation occurs when you complete data entry in a cell; in other words, as soon as you enter or edit a value in a cell and move on to another cell or area. Validation also occurs at other key points:

• When a new row is added to the data table
• When the Create Form Row option is selected from the Form Changes menu
• At the beginning of an upload.

Typically, the add-in determines whether a cell's value is consistent with the expected data type. For example, you can't enter a word, say, book, in a field that expects a number like 2,000. It also checks whether:

• A required cell is missing a value.
• The value in a cell associated with a list of values is valid for that list.
• The value complies with custom field validation rules.

Required fields are designated by the workbook developer and must include a value for your changes to be uploaded successfully.

Your workbook may also include some custom field validation rules that restrict the value you can enter into a cell. For example, you may have an Expense Reports workbook where the expense amount must be less than $500.00. As with other data validation errors, a cell with an invalid value (in this case, a value of $500 or more) is marked with a red border. You can select this cell to view a popup that provides a description of the error.