# Validating WSDL files

If you have created a WSDL file through the Web services wizard the WSDL that is generated should be valid. However, if you have imported a WSDL file, or if you are creating a WSDL file, you should validate the WSDL to ensure it is valid.

If you have selected Require or Suggest WS-I Compliance on the WS-I Compliance preference page, the validation also checks WS-I compliance. If you have selected Ignore WS-I Compliance the validator will only check the validity of the WSDL. For more information on setting WS-I compliance levels, refer to: Setting the level of WS-I compliance.

The WSDL Validator compares the WSDL file in your project to the W3C Web Services Description Language (WSDL) 1.1 specifications, and the WS-I compliance settings that you have selected.

To validate your WSDL, complete the following steps:

1. Select a WSDL file in the Project Navigator view.
2. Right-click the WSDL file, and select Validate

Any problems encountered while validating the file will be shown in the Tasks view.

When you rebuild a project or save a resource, the WSDL Validator can be set to run automatically. To do this, from the Window menu, select Preferences > Validation. Ensure that the WSDL Validator check box in the Build column is selected.

Related Concepts
WSDL
WS-I
Related Tasks
Setting WS-I compliance