2024-04-16T16:14:42
Status: #moc
Tags: #technology #standards #data #markup #altova #xmlspy #xml #json
Links: [[Technology]] | [[Standards]] | [[Altova]] | [[XMLSpy]] | [[XML]] | [[JSON]] | [[Markdown]] | [[YAML Tutorial]]
# YAML
YAML Ain't Markup Language (YAML) is a data serialization language that is designed to be human-readable and works well with modern programming languages for everyday tasks. It is often used for configuration files, data exchange between languages, and in applications where data is being stored or transmitted. Unlike [[XML]] or [[JSON]], it places a high value on readability and simplicity, making it a preferred choice for many developers and system administrators.
![[afalk42_An_illustration_for_a_knowledge_base_article_about_YAML_b90f1719-13fb-4c05-b020-8842251ebfcd.png]]
## Basic Syntax
YAML is case-sensitive and uses indentation to represent structure. It supports scalar types (like strings, integers, and floats), lists (arrays), and associative arrays (maps or dictionaries). Here's a quick look at the basic syntax:
### Scalars
A scalar is a single value. In YAML, scalars can be strings, booleans, integers, or floats.
```yaml
string: "Hello, YAML!"
integer: 42
boolean: true
float: 3.14
```
### Lists
Lists are sequences of elements. In YAML, lists can be represented in two ways:
**Block style:**
```yaml
fruits:
- Apple
- Banana
- Cherry
```
**Flow style (similar to JSON arrays):**
```yaml
fruits: [Apple, Banana, Cherry]
```
### Maps (Dictionaries or Associative Arrays)
Maps are collections of key-value pairs. Like lists, maps can also be represented in block and flow styles.
**Block style:**
```yaml
person:
name: John Doe
age: 30
```
**Flow style (similar to JSON objects):**
```yaml
person: {name: John Doe, age: 30}
```
## Advanced Features
YAML provides several advanced features that help in creating more complex and structured data representations.
### Anchors and Aliases
Anchors (`&`) and aliases (`*`) allow for reusing elements, preventing repetition:
```yaml
defaults: &defaults
editor: vscode
lang: en
user:
<<: *defaults
name: John Doe
```
In this example, the `defaults` anchor is used to define common values, which are then referenced in the `user` map with the alias `*defaults`.
### Merging
YAML supports merging of maps, which is useful for combining defaults or templates with more specific values:
```yaml
_defaults: &defaults
editor: vscode
lang: en
user:
<<: *defaults
lang: de
```
Here, the `user` map will inherit values from `_defaults` but will override the `lang` value with `de`.
### Multi-line Strings
YAML supports multi-line strings, making it easier to represent formatted text or embedded code blocks:
```yaml
multi_line: |
Line 1
Line 2
Line 3
```
The `|` character indicates that the string should be interpreted exactly as it appears, including newlines.
## YAML vs. JSON
While YAML and [[JSON]] are both data serialization formats, there are key differences:
- **Readability**: YAML emphasizes readability and includes features like comments, which are absent in JSON.
- **Syntax**: YAML uses indentation, whereas JSON uses brackets and braces.
- **Support for DataTypes**: YAML supports more explicit data types, such as octal and fixed-floating numbers.
## YAML Tools
In Altova **XMLSpy v2024r2**, we’ve introduced comprehensive YAML support alongside XML and JSON. Support includes:
- **[YAML Editor](https://www.altova.com/xmlspy-xml-editor/yaml-editor)**: A full-featured environment with syntax highlighting, source folding, and well-formedness checking.
- **YAML Validation against JSON Schema**: Ensuring data integrity and adherence to standards.
- **One-Click Conversion**: Seamlessly switch between XML, JSON, and YAML.
![[yaml-editor.avif]]
YAML is also now supported by the [AI-Assistant in XMLSpy](https://www.altova.com/xmlspy-xml-editor/ai-assistant), so you can ask the [[AI]] to provide [[YAML]] configuration files for a particular [[Kubernetes]] Deployment of [[MobileTogether]] Server, for example, and it will gladly oblige.
And for [hyper-performance validation](https://www.altova.com/raptorxml), **RaptorXML Server** now supports YAML alongside XML, JSON, and XBRL standards.
## Conclusion
YAML is a versatile and user-friendly language for data serialization. Its emphasis on readability, along with its support for complex data structures, makes it an excellent choice for configuration files, documentation, and data transmission between languages. With its simple syntax and advanced features, YAML helps streamline development processes and enhances clarity and maintainability of data representations. And [YAML integration in XMLSpy](https://www.altova.com/xmlspy-xml-editor/yaml-editor) makes it very versatile to use alongside JSON and XML in your day-to-day operations.
---
## References
- [YAML Official Website](https://yaml.org/)
- [YAML Specification](https://yaml.org/spec/1.2.2/)
- [[Embracing the Future - Altova v2024r2 Adds YAML, FORTRAS EDI, and More]]
- https://www.altova.com/xmlspy-xml-editor/yaml-editor