Why is data validation significant in web forms?

Data validation is significant in web forms because it ensures that user input meets specific criteria before the data is processed or stored. This is crucial for maintaining the integrity and quality of the data collected. By implementing validation checks, developers can enforce rules such as requiring certain fields to be filled out, ensuring that email addresses are in the correct format, or setting limits on data entries (like number ranges).

This process helps prevent errors that can arise from incorrect or malicious input, which can compromise the functionality of the application, lead to issues in data storage, and potentially expose the system to security vulnerabilities. Validated data improves the accuracy of the information stored and enhances the overall user experience by providing immediate feedback when the input does not meet the specified criteria.