# ath check

> Validate the record and its sample files.

Website: https://ath.fit/docs/check/
Markdown: https://ath.fit/docs/check.md

ATH v0.4.3 · MIT license. Documentation source: [cd89f72](https://github.com/mwhitham/ath/blob/cd89f72eceae3961ef1a05694226515c9e4321d2/src/program.ts). If your installed version differs, check its command help.

Checked 27 September 2026: v0.4.3 is available on npm.

## Usage

```text
ath check
```

## Arguments

| Argument or option | Description |
| --- | --- |
| `[file]` | Optional record path. Defaults to the record in the current folder. |

## What it does

Checks the document structure, references and available series data. It reports problems without repairing or modifying files.

## Examples

A missing series/ directory is reported as a warning; the rest of the record remains readable. Sample files that differ from their recorded hashes are errors. Re-import the original export to restore them. Validation errors return exit code 1.

```text
ath check --json
```

## Options

| Argument or option | Description |
| --- | --- |
| `--json` | structured output, for an agent rather than a person |

## Related commands

- [ath import](https://ath.fit/docs/import/)