YAML vs. JSON for Config: Readability and Tool Support
Choose between YAML and JSON for config files. Compare comment support, multiline strings, merge keys, strictness, and editor tooling.
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Tags: yaml, json, configuration
YAML vs. JSON for Config Files: Readability, Comments, and Tool Support Choosing between YAML and JSON for configuration files isn't a matter of personal preference — it's a tradeoff with measurable consequences for maintainability, toolability, and operational risk. Both formats have clear strengths and clear weaknesses. Picking the wrong one for your use case creates friction that compounds over time. This is a practical comparison, not a format advocacy piece. The right choice depends on who edits the config, how often, and what tooling is downstream. --- Side-by-Side: Same Config in Both Formats The YAML is shorter (31 lines vs 35 lines), has no punctuation noise, and the structure is visible through whitespace alone. The JSON is more explicit — every value is clearly delimited. ---…
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