validate

The 'validate' skill is designed to facilitate the validation of iPlug2 plugin builds across multiple formats using format-specific validation tools. It addresses the need for thorough validation by automating the process of testing plugins in various formats such as AU, AUv3, VST3, and CLAP. This ensures that plugins are compatible with their respective environments, improving the reliability and stability of audio applications. By utilizing tools like auval, vstvalidator, clap-validator, and pluginval, this skill streamlines the plugin validation workflow, saving time and effort during the development process.

The skill supports a variety of plugin formats, offering both specific format validation and multi-format checks. It begins by extracting relevant plugin identifiers from the project's configuration files and proceeds to validate the plugin using the appropriate tools. Each tool is designed to validate plugins according to the unique requirements of its format. For example, auval is used for AU plugins, vstvalidator for VST3, clap-validator for CLAP, and pluginval for multi-format validation. These tools offer different validation levels and options, such as strictness levels and repeatability, to suit various development needs and preferences.

This skill is ideal for plugin developers, QA engineers, and anyone involved in audio plugin development. It is especially useful for developers who are building plugins that need to be tested for compatibility across different platforms and formats. With automated validation, users can quickly detect issues with their builds, ensuring that they meet the necessary standards for distribution and use in host applications. The skill is applicable to macOS and Windows users and supports multiple plugin formats in a single, unified validation workflow.