YAML

YAML is a text-based data serialization language designed to express structured information in a format that is easy for people to read and edit. Instead of relying heavily on braces and closing tags, YAML uses indentation to organize mappings, sequences, and scalar values. Files usually use the .yaml or .yml extension.

In software delivery, YAML is frequently used to describe configuration rather than application logic. A YAML document can define container settings, Kubernetes resources, CI/CD workflows, deployment parameters, or environment-specific application options. This makes it useful when teams need configuration that can be versioned alongside source code.

Because whitespace carries meaning, incorrect indentation can change the structure of a YAML document or make it invalid. Teams therefore treat YAML files like code: they review changes, validate syntax, and keep configuration under version control so infrastructure and application behavior remain reproducible.