Proto File Validator

Validate Protocol Buffer schema (.proto) files with detailed error reporting

Proto File Input

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Validation Results

Validation results will appear here

Enter .proto file content to validate

How to Validate Proto Files - Step by Step Guide

Step 1

Input Your Proto File

Start by entering your Protocol Buffer schema that needs validation and syntax checking:

Paste proto content: Copy .proto files from your Connect RPC or gRPC projects
Upload proto files: Select .proto files from your computer for validation
Use sample schema: Click "Sample" to load example proto file and see validation in action 🔍

Example: Proto File with Potential Issues

Here's a proto3 schema that needs validation:

syntax = "proto3";

package user.service;

import "google/protobuf/timestamp.proto";

message User {
  int32 id = 1;
  string name = 2;
  string email = 3;
  repeated string roles = 4;
  bool active = 5;
  google.protobuf.Timestamp created_at = 6;
  UserProfile profile = 7;
  // Missing field number validation
  string department;
}

message UserProfile {
  string department = 1;
  int32 experience_years = 2;
  repeated string skills = 3;
  // Duplicate field number
  string location = 2;
}

service UserService {
  rpc GetUser(GetUserRequest) returns (User);
  rpc CreateUser(CreateUserRequest) returns (User);
  // Missing message definition
  rpc UpdateUser(UpdateUserRequest) returns (User);
}

message GetUserRequest {
  int32 id = 1;
}

message CreateUserRequest {
  User user = 1;
}
Potential Issues: Missing field numbers, duplicate field numbers, undefined message types
Step 2

Comprehensive Validation Analysis

The tool performs thorough validation according to protobuf specifications:

Syntax validation: Checks for proper proto3 syntax and structure
Field number checking: Ensures unique field numbers and proper ranges
Type validation: Verifies message types, field types, and import statements
Service validation: Checks RPC service definitions and method signatures

Example: Validation Results

Detailed validation report with specific errors and warnings: 🔍

❌ Error (Line 14): Field 'department' is missing field number
❌ Error (Line 22): Duplicate field number '2' in message 'UserProfile'
❌ Error (Line 29): Undefined message type 'UpdateUserRequest'
⚠️ Warning (Line 7): Consider using snake_case for field 'created_at'
✅ Valid: Syntax declaration, package definition, imports
Summary: 3 errors found, 1 warning, validation failed
Step 3

Fix Issues and Re-validate

Use the validation feedback to fix issues and ensure schema quality! 🎯 Comprehensive error reporting helps you:

Identify specific errors: Line numbers and detailed descriptions for quick fixes
Follow best practices: Warnings help maintain protobuf style guidelines
Ensure compatibility: Validate schema changes for backward compatibility

Example: Benefits of Proto Validation

Essential for robust API development and production readiness: 🔥

✓ Early Error Detection: Catch schema issues before deployment
✓ Code Generation: Ensure valid schemas for protoc compiler
✓ API Compatibility: Maintain backward compatibility across versions
✓ Team Collaboration: Standardize schema quality across developers
✓ Production Safety: Prevent runtime errors from invalid schemas

Frequently Asked Questions

What does .proto file validation check?

Proto file validation checks syntax, message definitions, field types, import statements, package declarations, and ensures compliance with Protocol Buffer language specifications.

What Protocol Buffer versions are supported?

This validator supports both proto2 and proto3 syntax, including all standard field types, nested messages, enums, services, and modern Protocol Buffer features.

Can this validate complex .proto files?

Yes! The validator handles complex schemas with nested messages, repeated fields, oneof declarations, maps, and cross-file dependencies.

How detailed are the validation errors?

Error messages include specific line numbers, character positions, detailed descriptions, and helpful suggestions for fixing syntax and structural issues.

Is this proto validator completely free?

Yes, completely free with no file size limits, no registration required, and unlimited usage. All validation features are available at no cost.