YAML

YAML Ain't Markup Language

YAML is a recursive acronym. A human-readable data serialization format. It’s commonly used for configuration files and data storage or transmission scenarios. YAML is designed to be easy to read and write, and it is often used in programming and development for defining or configuring data straightforwardly. Key aspects of YAML include:

1. Human Readability: Its syntax is designed to be easily readable by humans.
2. Data Structures: YAML supports complex data structures like sequences (lists) and mappings (hashes or dictionaries), along with scalar types (like strings, numbers, and booleans).
3. Indentation-Based: The structure of a YAML file is determined by indentation, which means that the data hierarchy is represented through spaces or tabs.
4. No Markup: Unlike XML or HTML, YAML doesn’t use tags to denote data structures. This makes it cleaner and less verbose.
5. Multiple Documents Support: You can have several documents in one file, separated by ---.

In practical terms, YAML is often used in a variety of programming and IT contexts:

• Configuration Files: It’s frequently used for writing configuration files in software applications.
• Data Serialization and Deserialization: It reads and writes data independent of programming languages.
• Infrastructure as Code (IaC): YAML is commonly used in tools like Kubernetes, Docker Compose, and Ansible for defining and deploying IT infrastructure.

Its simplicity and readability make YAML suitable for settings and parameters that must be easily understood and modified, aligning well with the requirements of managing complex software environments.

• Abbreviation: YAML