> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://coldbox-validation.ortusbooks.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://coldbox-validation.ortusbooks.com/v3.x-1/intro/release-history/whats-new-with-3.3.0.md).

# What's New With 3.3.0

2022-JAN-12

### Nested Constraints

Nested structs can be validated using the `constraints` or `nestedConstraints` validator.

```javascript
validateOrFail(
    target = {
        "owner": { "firstName": "John", "lastName": "Doe" }
    },
    constraints = {
        "owner": {
            "constraints": {
                "firstName": { "required": true, "type": "string" },
                "lastName": { "required": true, "type": "string" },
            }
        }
    }
);
```

Using the `nestedConstraints` validator requires the item it is used on be a struct. Otherwise a validation error will occur.

\
When using `nestedConstraints` the field name of the errors will be the dot-delimited path of the target.

```javascript
validateOrFail(
    target = {
        "owner": { "firstName": "John" }
    },
    constraints = {
        "owner": {
            "constraints": {
                "firstName": { "required": true, "type": "string" },
                "lastName": { "required": true, "type": "string" },
            }
        }
    }
);

// ValidationError -> { 
    field: "owner.lastName", 
    message: "The `lastName` field is required" 
}
```

The field name change also applies to `items` or `arrayItem` validators.

```javascript
validateOrFail(
    target = {
        "luckyNumbers": [ 7, "not a number", 11 ]
    },
    constraints = {
        "luckyNumbers": {
            "items": {
                "required": true,
                "type": "numeric"
            }
        }
    }
);

// ValidationError -> { 
field: "luckyNumbers[2]", 
message: "The 'item' has an invalid type, expected type is numeric" 
}
```

The field name changes will allow you to match the validation errors to your fields in your forms.\
While **cbValidation** can nest constraints down as far as you'd like to go, remember that each nested level increases complexity.

### Array and Struct Shorthand Syntax

To make defining array item and nested constraint validators easier, you can use a shorthand on the field name, like so:

```javascript
validateOrFail(
    target = {
        "owner": {
            "firstName": "John",
            "lastName": "Doe",
            "luckyNumbers": [ 7, 11, 21 ],
            "addresses": [
                {
                    "streetOne": "123 Elm Street",
                    "city": "Anytown",
                    "state": "IL",
                    "zip": 60606
                }
            ]
        }
    },
    constraints = {
        "owner.firstName": { "required": true, "type": "string" },
        "owner.lastName": { "required": true, "type": "string" },
        "owner.luckyNumbers.*": { "required": true, "type": "numeric" },
        "owner.addresses.*.streetOne": { "required": true, "type": "string" },
        "owner.addresses.*.streetTwo": { "required": false, "type": "string" },
        "owner.addresses.*.city": { "required": true, "type": "string" },
        "owner.addresses.*.state": { "required": true, "type": "string", "size": 2 },
        "owner.addresses.*.zip": { "required": true, "type": "numeric", "size": 5 }
    }
);
```

Dot-delimited strings represent nested structs while the asterisk (`*`) represents an array of items. This shorthand syntax is expanded to the equivalent syntax above before validating. Use whichever you prefer.

### Validator Aliases

A few of the built-in validators now have an alias in addition to the long form validator name:

```javascript
{
    "items": "arrayItem",
    "constraints": "nestedConstraints"
}
```

Co-authored by [@garciadev](https://github.com/garciadev)

### Added

* Allow UDF and Method Validators to Utilize Error Metadata by @homestar9 (<https://github.com/coldbox-modules/cbvalidation/pull/48>)
* Validator Aliases
* Array and Struct Shorthand Syntax
* Nested Constraints

### Fixed

* Date Comparisons Fail if Compare field is empty #58 thanks to @nockhigan: <https://github.com/coldbox-modules/cbvalidation/pull/58>


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the following URL with the `ask` and `goal` query parameters:

```
GET https://coldbox-validation.ortusbooks.com/v3.x-1/intro/release-history/whats-new-with-3.3.0.md?ask=<question>&goal=<user_goal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is what the user is ultimately trying to achieve, the reason they need the answer. Sharing it helps GitBook give you a better, more relevant answer. A goal is most helpful when it describes the outcome the user wants rather than restating the question. For example, with `ask=how do I create an API token`, a goal like `automate deployments from our CI pipeline` lets GitBook tailor the answer to that use case.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.