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How to Validate HCL Configuration - Step by Step Guide

Step 1

Input Your HCL/Terraform Configuration

Start validating your HCL configuration by inputting it into the validator. Whether you're working with Terraform infrastructure code or HashiCorp configuration files, you have multiple ways to input your code:

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Paste directly: Copy your Terraform configuration or HCL code and paste it into the input editor
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Upload a file: Click "Upload" to select a .tf, .hcl, or .txt file from your computer
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Try the sample: Click "Sample" to load example Terraform configuration and see how validation works
Step 2

Automatic Syntax Validation

The validator instantly analyzes your HCL syntax and provides detailed feedback:

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Syntax checking: Validates braces, brackets, and parentheses are properly matched
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Error detection: Identifies structural errors with exact line numbers
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Configuration stats: Shows count of resources, variables, outputs, and data sources
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Warnings: Provides helpful warnings for potential issues or best practices
Step 3

Review Validation Results

Get comprehensive feedback about your HCL configuration:

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Valid badge: Green badge confirms syntactically valid HCL
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Error details: Each error shows exact line number and helpful description
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Statistics dashboard: View counts of resources, variables, and other components
Step 4

Fix Issues and Re-validate

Use the validation feedback to improve your configuration:

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Copy errors: Click "Copy" to copy all error messages for documentation
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Edit and re-validate: Make changes in the editor and see results update automatically
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Format after validation: Use our HCL Formatter to beautify valid code

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the HCL validator check?

The validator checks HCL syntax including proper brace/bracket matching, block structure, quotes, and common Terraform patterns. It identifies syntax errors, shows line numbers, and provides warnings for potential issues.

Does this replace terraform validate?

No, this is a syntax checker that runs in your browser. For complete validation including provider schemas and semantic checks, use terraform validate in your CLI. This tool helps catch basic syntax errors quickly before running Terraform commands.

Can I validate Terraform modules and state files?

Yes, you can validate any HCL configuration including modules (main.tf, variables.tf, outputs.tf). For Terraform state files (.tfstate), check out our Terraform State Viewer tool.

What are the configuration statistics?

The validator counts and displays the number of resources, variables, outputs, and data sources in your configuration. This helps you quickly understand the complexity and structure of your Terraform code.

Is my Terraform configuration secure?

Yes! All validation happens entirely in your browser - no data is sent to any server. Your Terraform configurations, secrets, and infrastructure code remain completely private and secure on your machine.

Is the HCL validator completely free?

Yes, completely free with no limitations on file size, usage frequency, or features. No registration required, and you can validate unlimited Terraform/HCL files with detailed error reporting.

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