Online Drools Validator

Provides automated validation for Drools rule files to detect syntax errors, semantic inconsistencies, and cross-file conflicts before runtime. Target users include software developers, rules authors, and CI engineers who maintain business decision logic in DRL and decision tables. The tool operates purely on the DRL text and project structure to surface actionable diagnostics with precise locations and clear guidance. It does not execute rules or modify source content; instead it analyzes grammar, symbol resolution, imports, and rule attributes to ensure the rules are well-formed and coherent.

Conceptually, the validator tokenizes DRL, builds an abstract representation, and resolves referenced classes, facts, and imports. It checks syntax and grammar, then performs semantic checks such as unbound variables, undefined globals, and conflicting rule priorities. For decision tables, it validates condition rows and action mappings. When multiple files are present, it tracks cross-file references and ensures consistency of types and imports. It outputs a structured set of diagnostics, each with severity, location, and suggested fixes.

Benefits include earlier defect detection, improved developer productivity, and higher rule reliability in production. Use cases span local development, CI pipelines, and code review, enabling teams to gate DRL quality before deployment. Unique value lies in version-aware validation, multi-file analysis, and the ability to export machine-readable reports for integration with tooling. Core features include syntax checks, semantic analysis, import resolution, decision-table validation, and an exportable JSON report that can drive automated quality gates in software delivery workflows.

Examples: DRL with a missing semicolon triggers a syntax error; a referenced class not on the classpath yields an unresolved type; two rules with conflicting salience produce a warning. The validator returns precise messages with line numbers and recommended fixes, helping developers triage issues quickly and reduce debug cycles.