Automate XML and JSON validation from the command-line

valbuddy.exe is the professional command-line companion to XML ValidatorBuddy, providing powerful XML and JSON validation directly from the Windows command shell or any automated script. Installed automatically with XML ValidatorBuddy, it offers developers, QA engineers, and system administrators a fast, scriptable way to validate files, check well-formedness, and verify data integrity — without opening the graphical editor.

Fast, scriptable, and ready for automation

Use valbuddy.exe in your batch files, CI/CD pipelines, or server processes to ensure that XML and JSON documents are always valid. From quick syntax checks to complex schema validation, it provides reliable automation that integrates easily with build tools like Jenkins, Azure DevOps, or GitHub Actions.

Main usage options

Usage: valbuddy.exe [-v | -wf [-verbose] [-s] <file 1> ... <file n>]
 | [<settings-xml>]
 | [-patch <patches.json> <file 1> ... <file n>]
 | [-jsl [-ox <output.xml> | -oj <output.json>] <json-schema.json>]
 | [-jspp [-oj <output.json>] <json-input.json>]
 | [-jsm [-oj <output.json>] <json-input.json>]
 | [-jsv -s <json-schema.json> -oj <output.json> <json-instance.json>]

Highlights

• -v – Validate one or more XML or JSON files.
• -wf – Check XML for well-formedness.
• -s – Validate against a W3C or JSON Schema.
• -verbose – Output a detailed list of all validation errors.
• <settings-xml> – Run batch validation using an XML configuration file (Professional edition feature).
• -patch – Apply JSONPatch operations to modify JSON documents.
• -jsl – Run JSON Schema linter (Professional edition feature).
• -jspp – Pretty-print large JSON documents of any size.
• -jsm – Minify JSON input files.
• -jsv – Stream-based JSON validation for huge data sets (requires JSONBuddy Large Data license).

Example commands

valbuddy.exe -v -s "C:\schemas\invoice.xsd" "C:\data\invoice.xml"

Validate an XML file against an XSD schema and receive a simple return code for success or failure — ideal for automation scripts.

valbuddy.exe -jsv -s schema.json -oj result.json instance.json

Perform high-performance streaming JSON validation with a Large Data license, perfect for big JSON datasets.

Built on proven technology

The tool is powered by the same high-performance C++ validation engine used in XML ValidatorBuddy. It supports XML Schema, DTD, and Schematron validation with precise error diagnostics, digital signature verification, and full JSON Schema compliance.

Part of the XML ValidatorBuddy suite

valbuddy.exe is included with every installation of XML ValidatorBuddy. Use the graphical interface for editing and debugging XML or JSON content — then switch to the command-line for automated production validation. Both tools share the same engine and deliver consistent, reliable results.

Download XML ValidatorBuddy Buy a license

Integrate validation into your workflow today

Save time, prevent data errors, and improve quality assurance with valbuddy.exe. It’s the professional-grade solution for automated XML and JSON validation — trusted by developers and enterprises worldwide.