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YAML Files

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The Use of YAML
The Use of YAML
By Geovanny Alpizar
5 min read

A YAML file, which stands for “YAML Ain’t Markup Language,” is a human-readable data format used to represent structured information in text form. YAML is often used for configuring applications and describing data in systems. It stands out for its simplicity and clarity, making it easy to understand for both humans and machines.

YAML Syntax Example

Below is an example of a YAML file to help you understand its syntax and how information is structured:

%YAML 1.2

YAML: YAML Ain’t Markup Language™

What It Is: YAML is a human-friendly data serialization language for all programming languages.

YAML Resources: YAML Specifications:

YAML Matrix Chat: ‘# chat:yaml.io’ # Our New Group Chat Room! YAML IRC Channel: libera.chat#yaml # The old chat YAML News: twitter.com/yamlnews YAML Mailing List: yaml-core # Obsolete, but historical

YAML on GitHub: # github.com/yaml/ YAML Specs: yaml-spec/ YAML 1.2 Grammar: yaml-grammar/ YAML Test Suite: yaml-test-suite/ YAML Issues: issues/

YAML Reference Parsers:

YAML Test Matrix: matrix.yaml.io

YAML Frameworks and Tools: C/C++:

Crystal:

  • YAML # YAML 1.1 from the standard library

C#/.NET:

D:

  • D-YAML # YAML 1.1 library w/ official community support (YTS)

Dart:

  • yaml # YAML package for Dart

Delphi:

Elixir:

Erlang:

  • yamerl # YAML support for the Erlang language

Golang:

Haskell:

  • HsYAML # YAML 1.2 implementation in pure Haskell (YTS)
  • YamlReference # Haskell 1.2 reference parser
  • yaml # YAML 1.1 Haskell framework (based on libyaml)

Java:

JavaScript:

  • yaml # JavaScript parser/stringifier (YAML 1.2, 1.1) (YTS)
  • js-yaml # Native PyYAML port to JavaScript (Demo)

Nim:

  • NimYAML # YAML 1.2 implementation in pure Nim (YTS)

OCaml:

Perl Modules:

PHP:

Python:

  • PyYAML # YAML 1.1, pure python and libyaml binding
  • ruamel.yaml # YAML 1.2, update of PyYAML; comments round-trip
  • PySyck # YAML 1.0, syck binding
  • strictyaml # Restricted YAML subset

R:

Raku:

Ruby:

  • psych # libyaml wrapper (in Ruby core for 1.9.2)
  • RbYaml # YAML 1.1 (PyYAML Port)
  • yaml4r # YAML 1.0, standard library syck binding

Rust:

Shell:

  • parse_yaml # Simple YAML parser for Bash using sed and awk
  • shyaml # Read YAML files - jq style

Swift:

  • Yams # libyaml wrapper

Others:

  • yamlvim # YAML dumper/emitter in pure vimscript

Related Projects:

  • Rx # Multi-Language Schemata Tool for JSON/YAML
  • Kwalify # Ruby Schemata Tool for JSON/YAML
  • pyKwalify # Python Schemata Tool for JSON/YAML
  • yatools.net # Visual Studio editor for YAML
  • JSON # Official JSON Website
  • Pygments # Python language Syntax Colorizer /w YAML support
  • yamllint # YAML Linter based on PyYAML
  • YAML Diff # Semantically compare two YAML documents
  • JSON Schema # YAML-compliant JSON standard for data validation

Areas of Application

YAML files are used in a variety of fields, such as software configuration, workflow automation, infrastructure definition, and data handling within applications, among others.

Advantages of YAML

YAML files are easy to read and write, making them ideal for configuration and defining data structures. Moreover, YAML is language-agnostic, meaning it can be used with different programming languages without compatibility issues.

Using YAML at Work

In the workplace, YAML files are extensively used to define application configurations, automation scripts, and workflow definitions. For instance, in the field of DevOps, YAML is used to define infrastructure as code (IaC), where it helps describe server configurations, databases, networks, and more.

YAML’s human-friendly syntax also plays a key role in continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines, making it easier for teams to manage complex workflows without requiring a deep knowledge of programming.

Using YAML in Daily Life

Beyond work, YAML files can be surprisingly useful in managing day-to-day activities. They can be used to create and organize to-do lists, keep track of expenses, or manage structured information for personal projects. YAML’s clear and organized format makes it ideal for structuring data that you can quickly update or reference.

For example, you could use YAML to maintain a grocery list categorized by product type or create a simple personal budgeting file that tracks monthly spending in different categories. Many applications and tools that we use in our daily devices, like note-taking apps or home automation systems, also use YAML for configuration purposes.

Getting Started with YAML

Using YAML is straightforward. All you need is a text editor to create and modify YAML files. The data is organized in hierarchical structures using indentation (spaces or tabs) to represent nesting. This simplicity makes YAML approachable, even for those without technical expertise.

Numerous tools and programming languages offer native support for working with YAML, allowing easy integration and manipulation. Whether you’re using Python, JavaScript, or just a shell script, there are libraries and tools available to parse and handle YAML effectively.

YAML files are a versatile and human-readable tool that can be applied in a wide range of contexts, from software configuration to managing daily activities. Their ability to represent structured data in a clear and simple way makes them indispensable for both professionals and casual users alike. Whether you’re setting up a CI/CD pipeline at work or organizing your personal to-do lists, YAML offers a straightforward solution to handle structured data.

PROGRAMMING, YAML
yaml devops yaml productivity infrastructure-as-code
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