Tree validation before publishing: detailed rules

Tree validation rules

Before you can publish a tree, Certorix runs a series of validation checks. This ensures customers have a smooth diagnostic experience.

Mandatory rules (block publishing if failed)

• Start node must exist – The tree must have a node marked as the start node (the first node customers see).
• All nodes must be reachable – Every node must be connected from the start node via at least one path. Orphaned nodes are not allowed.
• No dangling answers – Every answer option in every Question node must lead to another node. Dead ends are not allowed.
• At least one end node – The tree must have at least one Solution or Result node (an end state).
• Question nodes must have at least one answer option – A Question node with no answers is invalid.
• No infinite loops – The validation detects cycles that would cause the customer to loop forever without reaching an end node.

Warning rules (do not block publishing but show warnings)

• Unused nodes – Nodes that are reachable but not connected to any answer or jump (they exist but no path leads to them).
• Long node chains – More than 20 nodes without a Solution or Result. Warns that customers may get frustrated.
• Duplicate answer texts – Two answer options in the same Question node with identical text (customer confusion).
• Missing fact links – A Result node has no linked certified fact (it will show generic message instead of VNT seal).

How to see validation errors

When you click Publish, a modal appears showing:

• Red errors – Must fix before publishing.
• Yellow warnings – Can publish, but recommended to fix.
• Click on any error to navigate to the problematic node on the canvas.

Validating without publishing

Click Validate from the Tree Editor top bar to run validation without attempting to publish.

This is useful during editing to catch issues early.