# Validation

Novel makes use of 2 validation mechanisms: JSON Schema and Zod. both serve specific purpose, for shaping requests and responses and for verifying input.

Although these are optional, it is recommended that you build your system utilizing these tools as much as possible.

## Forms and Requests

Any active validations that you need during development can be supported by Zod. All database models have an accompanying zod definition that can be reused and extended.

Validations within the client should make use of zod as much as possible.

{% embed url="<https://zod.dev/>" %}

You can do more on the client side:

[Using Zod in your Forms →](https://docs.novel.dev/guides/knowledge-base/novel-web-next.js/using-zod-in-forms)

[Using Generated Requests →](https://docs.novel.dev/guides/knowledge-base/novel-web-next.js/using-generated-requests)

[Making a Request to the API →](https://docs.novel.dev/guides/knowledge-base/novel-web-next.js/making-a-request-to-the-api)

For server-side validation. refer to [Validation](/novel-server/validation.md).

## Changelog

* 2024-12-20 - Initial Documentation


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