YAML is a data serialization language first proposed by Clark Evans in 2001. It is used to organize and describe information, similar to other languages such as XML. It builds upon another popular data serialization format, JSON.

Similar to the Python programming language, YAML uses indentation (rather than brackets or braces) to delimit blocks of data. It places emphasis on being easy for humans to read.

YAML is short for “YAML Ain’t Markup Language.” The name distinguishes it from simple markup languages such as HTML. Files that contain YAML have the file extension “.yaml.”

What can YAML be used for?

YAML can be used for almost anything where data needs to be described in an ordered fashion. For instance:

  • Information about users, such as username, password, and e-mail address, similar to a database.
  • Configuration for an application, such as user settings.
  • Describing 3D objects to be imported into applications such as Blender and Unity.

Computer acronyms, Data, Programming languages, Programming terms

  • The official YAML website. (The homepage is a valid YAML document.)