Technology Fundamentals

YAML

Definition

YAML (YAML Ain't Markup Language) is a human-readable data-serialization language. It is commonly used for configuration files and in applications where data is being stored or transmitted.

Why It Matters

YAML's focus on readability makes it a popular choice for configuration. It uses indentation to denote structure, which can make files cleaner and easier to read than JSON or XML for the same purpose.

Contextual Example

A simple YAML configuration file might look like: `user: name: John Doe email: john@example.com`

Common Misunderstandings

  • YAML is a superset of JSON. This means that any valid JSON file is also a valid YAML file.
  • The use of significant whitespace (indentation) can be a source of errors if not handled carefully.

Related Terms

Last Updated: December 17, 2025