n8n-validation-expert

1# n8n Validation Expert
2 
3Expert guide for interpreting and fixing n8n validation errors.
4 
5---
6 
7## Validation Philosophy
8 
9**Validate early, validate often**
10 
11Validation is typically iterative:
12- Expect validation feedback loops
13- Usually 2-3 validate → fix cycles
14- Average: 23s thinking about errors, 58s fixing them
15 
16**Key insight**: Validation is an iterative process, not one-shot!
17 
18---
19 
20## Error Severity Levels
21 
22### 1. Errors (Must Fix)
23**Blocks workflow execution** - Must be resolved before activation
24 
25**Types**:
26- `missing_required` - Required field not provided
27- `invalid_value` - Value doesn't match allowed options
28- `type_mismatch` - Wrong data type (string instead of number)
29- `invalid_reference` - Referenced node doesn't exist
30- `invalid_expression` - Expression syntax error
31 
32**Example**:
33```json
34{
35  "type": "missing_required",
36  "property": "channel",
37  "message": "Channel name is required",
38  "fix": "Provide a channel name (lowercase, no spaces, 1-80 characters)"
39}
40```
41 
42### 2. Warnings (Should Fix)
43**Doesn't block execution** - Workflow can be activated but may have issues
44 
45**Types**:
46- `best_practice` - Recommended but not required — surfaces under `ai-friendly` / `strict` only
47- `deprecated` - Using old API/feature — surfaces under every profile
48- `security` - Hardcoded secrets, unauthenticated webhooks — surfaces under every profile
49- `performance` - Potential performance issue — advisory, `ai-friendly` / `strict`
50…