Description: Validation annotation in Java is a form of metadata that specifies validation rules for a field in a class. These annotations allow developers to define constraints on the data that can be entered into an object, thus facilitating data validation in applications. Validation annotations are part of the javax.validation package, which is part of the Bean Validation specification. By using these annotations, programmers can apply rules such as the maximum length of a string, the mandatory nature of a field, or the validity of a specific format, such as an email address. This improves data quality and simplifies the development process by allowing validation rules to be centralized in one place. Additionally, these annotations are compatible with popular frameworks like Spring and Hibernate, making them an essential tool for creating robust and secure applications across the Java ecosystem.