Date: 2025-02-23

Status

Accepted

Context

We need consistent validation across multiple areas:

• System requirements and OS compatibility
• External tool availability and versions
• Project configuration and metadata
• Input file validation
• Command execution results

Our current validation is split between System::Validator, setup tools, and project configuration.

Decision

We will implement the following validation strategy:

1. Input Validation

   • Configuration validation through BookProcessing::Configuration
   • Metadata validation through MetadataManager
   • File existence and permissions checks
   • Format validation for content files

2. System Requirement Checks

   • OS compatibility through System::Validator
   • Tool availability verification
   • Version compatibility checking
   • Resource availability validation

3. Error Message Standardization

   • Clear error message format
   • Context-specific error details
   • User-friendly descriptions
   • Debug information when needed
   • Consistent error handling patterns

4. Recovery Procedures

   • Graceful degradation where possible
   • Clear recovery instructions
   • Automatic fixes for common issues
   • Rollback capabilities for failed operations
   • State preservation during errors

Consequences

Positive

• Consistent validation across components
• Early error detection
• Clear error messages
• Recoverable failure states
• Better user experience

Negative

• Additional validation overhead
• More complex error handling
• Need to maintain validation rules
• Increased testing requirements