What is the key characteristic of validation rule sets?

A key characteristic of validation rule sets is that they execute all rules in sequence. This means that each rule within the set is evaluated one after another, allowing developers to ensure that all validation criteria are met before proceeding with any actions, such as saving or processing data. By executing all rules in order, it allows for comprehensive checks to be performed which can catch multiple validation issues at once, rather than stopping at the first encountered error.

The sequential execution process provides a structured approach to validation, where later rules can depend on the outcomes of previous ones. This ability to systematically evaluate multiple criteria enhances the robustness of the data validation process and ensures that entities adhere to the defined business logic.

Partial rule execution or early exits after success can lead to situations where important validations are skipped, potentially resulting in inconsistent or erroneous data. Therefore, the fact that all rules are executed in sequence is fundamental for maintaining data integrity within the system.