mini-starter/_bmad/core/resources/excalidraw/validate-json-instructions.md

JSON Validation Instructions

Purpose

Validate Excalidraw JSON files after saving to catch syntax errors (missing commas, brackets, quotes).

How to Validate

Use Node.js built-in JSON parsing to validate the file:

node -e "JSON.parse(require('fs').readFileSync('FILE_PATH', 'utf8')); console.log('✓ Valid JSON')"

Replace FILE_PATH with the actual file path.

Exit Codes

• Exit code 0 = Valid JSON
• Exit code 1 = Invalid JSON (syntax error)

Error Output

If invalid, Node.js will output:

• Error message with description
• Position in file where error occurred
• Line and column information (if available)

Common Errors and Fixes

Missing Comma

SyntaxError: Expected ',' or '}' after property value

Fix: Add comma after the property value

Missing Bracket/Brace

SyntaxError: Unexpected end of JSON input

Fix: Add missing closing bracket ] or brace }

Extra Comma (Trailing)

SyntaxError: Unexpected token ,

Fix: Remove the trailing comma before ] or }

Missing Quote

SyntaxError: Unexpected token

Fix: Add missing quote around string value

Workflow Integration

After saving an Excalidraw file, run validation:

1. Save the file
2. Run: node -e "JSON.parse(require('fs').readFileSync('{{save_location}}', 'utf8')); console.log('✓ Valid JSON')"
3. If validation fails:
   • Read the error message for line/position
   • Open the file at that location
   • Fix the syntax error
   • Save and re-validate
4. Repeat until validation passes

Critical Rule

NEVER delete the file due to validation errors - always fix the syntax error at the reported location.