RegexStringValidator validation in MVC3 model properties

Question

I am trying to use a RegexStringValidator on a couple of properties:

[Required, StringLength(4, MinimumLength = 4), RegexStringValidator(@"AAAA")]
public virtual string ValueGuid { get; set; }

This actually accepts anything that is 4 characters long and not just "AAAA" which I would expect. Is there some magic I'm missing here?

Thanks Anton

João Angelo · Accepted Answer · 2011-11-27 12:00:58Z

4

You need to use the RegularExpressionAttribute from the data annotations namespace and not the RegexStringValidator.

The RegexStringValidator is for validation of custom configuration properties and is not picked up for validation by the default MVC model binder.

The supported validation attributes located in the data annotations namespace are the following:

Range – Enables you to validate whether the value of a property falls between a specified range of values.
ReqularExpression – Enables you to validate whether the value of a property matches a specified regular expression pattern.
Required – Enables you to mark a property as required.
StringLength – Enables you to specify a maximum length for a string property.

There also two additional attributes supplied by MVC framework:

answered Nov 27, 2011 at 11:46

João Angelo

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1 Comment

That would explain it! Thanks very much, it's now working as expected. I have no idea where I got that class from...