Laravel validation rules for array

Question

I actually need to do a validation, which needs to check for a filed which is

1. Required
2. Array
3. Needs to have at least two columns
4. One key name should be correct_topic
5. Other one needs to be wrong_topic

Now I am writing the rules like the following for other fields.

return [
         'category'   => 'required|numeric',
         'text' => 'required',
         'type' => 'required|numeric|in:1,2,3',
         'vendor'        => 'required|numeric|exists:users,id',
         'topic' => 'required|array'
       ];

How can I improve this and include the above mentioned validation for topic ?

I am writing these rules in a TopicRequest class. Basically I need to check whether the filed topic is an array which has got at least 2 columns and not more than 4 and one of the array key should be correct-topic and others needs to be wrong_topic_1 etc.

Is there any default validation rules that can be used effectively for this situation ?

Answer 1

You can create your own validator.Laravel Valditation

Answer 2

You can possibly fulfill above validation lists with first array validation and using dot notation validation style like the below:

return [
    ................
     'topic' => 'required|array|min:2|max:4',
     'topic.correct_topic' => 'required',
     'topic.wrong_topic' => 'required'
];

Using the min and max according to the Laravel doc, uses the size rule with on an files fields which I believe should also be relevant for arrays, i.e employs the count() method. Ref min-here and max-here

PS: I can't be sure this really fix your issue particularly but I believe it should give an inspiration to the answer you need.

You can also refer to Validating Arrays if any doubts

Hope it helps :)