How to validate only if the user entered a string

[chrismalan]

In the User entity bean an e-mail address is validated using @Email. It works fine, but the user should also be allowed not to enter anything in this field.

The field is not annotated with @NotNull and the default in the database is null for this field. However, Seam wants a value there. The form does not require a value to be entered.

How do I tell Seam to make sure any value is a valid email address if something is entered, but to allow null through?

Thanks,

[tynor]

What version of Seam and what version of the hibernate-validator jar?

Our project had the same problem with the hibernate libs bundled with Seam 1.2.1GA. We fixed by ditching the bundled hibernate libraries and using newer ones. Hibernate Validator 3.0.0.GA supports the style of validation you seek.

I'm not sure what version of hibernate validator is bundled with later versions of Seam.

Hope this helps.

[chrismalan]

Hi Tynor,

Seam 1.2.0GA and JBoss-4.2.0.

I downloaded hibernate validator 3.0.0 and will now use that.

Thanks very much.

Chris