YAML vs JSON: When to Use Each Format
A comparison of YAML and JSON formats, their strengths, and appropriate use cases.
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YAML to JSON Converter
Data FormatsConvert between YAML and JSON formats
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YAML to JSON Converter FAQ
Common questions about using the YAML to JSON Converter tool
To convert YAML to JSON: 1) Paste your YAML in the input field, 2) Select 'YAML to JSON' mode, 3) The JSON output appears instantly, 4) Copy or download the result. The tool validates YAML syntax and shows helpful error messages.
To convert JSON to YAML: 1) Paste your JSON in the input field, 2) Select 'JSON to YAML' mode, 3) The YAML output appears with proper formatting, 4) Copy the result. The tool handles nested objects, arrays, and all JSON data types.
YAML is more human-readable with minimal syntax (uses indentation, allows comments). JSON is more universal with strict syntax (braces, quotes, no comments). YAML is popular for configuration files; JSON for APIs and data exchange. YAML is a superset of JSON.
Yes, YAML supports comments using #. Everything after # on a line is ignored. This makes YAML popular for configuration files. JSON does not support comments, which is one reason teams choose YAML for configs.
Common YAML errors: 1) Incorrect indentation (must use spaces, not tabs), 2) Missing space after colon, 3) Inconsistent indentation levels, 4) Unquoted special characters, 5) Wrong multiline string syntax. Always use consistent 2-space indentation.
YAML multiline options: 1) Literal block '|' preserves newlines, 2) Folded block '>' joins lines with spaces, 3) Quoted strings with \n. Use '|' for scripts/code, '>' for long text that should wrap. Add '-' for chomping (|-, >-).
YAML supports: strings (quoted or unquoted), numbers (int/float), booleans (true/false, yes/no, on/off), null (~, null, empty), arrays (- items or [inline]), objects (key: value or {inline}), dates (2024-01-15), and binary (!!binary).
Yes, Kubernetes uses YAML extensively for resource definitions (pods, deployments, services). YAML's readability and comment support make it ideal for infrastructure-as-code. Most DevOps tools (Docker Compose, GitHub Actions, Ansible) also use YAML.
YAML supports anchors (&) and aliases (*) for referencing. Define with '&name' and reference with '*name'. For merging, use '<<: *name'. This reduces duplication in complex configs. Example: '&defaults' then '<<: *defaults' in another section.
Use YAML for: human-edited configs, files needing comments, Kubernetes/DevOps tools. Use JSON for: API responses, programmatic generation, strict parsing needs. YAML is more readable; JSON is more universal. Both are valid choices.