How to Validate Request in Laravel: Simple Guide

In Laravel, you validate a request by calling the validate() method on the request object inside a controller. You pass an array of rules to validate() that define what input is required and how it should be checked.

Syntax

Use the validate() method on the request object. Pass an array where keys are input field names and values are validation rules.

• request()->validate([...]): Validates the incoming request.
• rules: Define required fields, types, formats, etc.
• If validation fails, Laravel automatically redirects back with errors.

php

public function store(Request $request)
{
    $validatedData = $request->validate([
        'name' => 'required|string|max:255',
        'email' => 'required|email|unique:users,email',
        'age' => 'nullable|integer|min:18'
    ]);

    // Use $validatedData safely here
}

Example

This example shows a controller method validating a user registration form. It requires a name, a unique email, and optionally an age that must be at least 18 if provided.

php

<?php

namespace App\Http\Controllers;

use Illuminate\Http\Request;

class UserController extends Controller
{
    public function register(Request $request)
    {
        $validated = $request->validate([
            'name' => 'required|string|max:255',
            'email' => 'required|email|unique:users,email',
            'age' => 'nullable|integer|min:18'
        ]);

        return response()->json(['message' => 'Validation passed', 'data' => $validated]);
    }
}

Output

{"message":"Validation passed","data":{"name":"John Doe","email":"[e-mail]","age":25}}

Common Pitfalls

• Not returning or handling validation errors causes confusing behavior.
• Using incorrect rule syntax like 'required:email' instead of 'required|email'.
• Forgetting to import Illuminate\Http\Request in the controller.
• Not validating all user inputs, which can cause security issues.

php

public function store(Request $request)
{
    // Wrong: using colon instead of pipe
    $request->validate([
        'email' => 'required:email'
    ]);

    // Right:
    $request->validate([
        'email' => 'required|email'
    ]);
}

Quick Reference

Here are some common validation rules you can use in Laravel:

Rule	Description
required	Field must be present and not empty
string	Field must be a string
email	Field must be a valid email address
unique:table,column	Field must be unique in the database table column
nullable	Field can be null or empty
integer	Field must be an integer
min:value	Minimum value or length
max:value	Maximum value or length

Key Takeaways

Use request()->validate() with an array of rules to validate input easily.

Validation automatically redirects back with errors if input is invalid.

Always validate all user inputs to keep your app secure.

Use pipe | to separate multiple validation rules for a field.

Check Laravel docs for many built-in validation rules to fit your needs.