YAML vs YML: What&#s the Difference and Which One Should You Use?

YAML and YML: The subtle difference between the configuration file extension

YAML and YML's two terms often make developers, especially developers who have just touched the configuration file. Although they all refer to the same file format, the difference is only in the expansion of the file. This article will clarify the differences between YAML and YML, the similarities they use, and when to use each one.

What is YAML? YAML represents "Yaml Ain'T Markup Language" (YAML is not a mark language). It is a human readable data serialization format, which is simple and easy to design. Due to its concise grammar and readability, YAML is widely used in configuration files such as Docker, Kubernetes, and CI/CD pipelines.

What is YML?

YML is just a short version of the expansion of the YAML file. Although it is exactly the same as that of .yaml, the .yml extension name existed as an alternative and often swapped. The choice of .yml or .yaml usually depends on individuals or project specific preferences. The main similarities between yaml and yml

Functional: .yaml and .yml files both had the same grammar and functions, which means that they can be exchanged in practice.

Archives:

Any software system that supports YAML will identify these two extensions.
• Human readable format: YAML (and YML) design goals are simple. Compared with the formats such as JSON or XML, it is easier for people to write and understand.
• The main differences between yaml and yml
• File expansion name: The main difference is that the file expansion itself. Yaml uses .yaml as its standard extension, while YML uses short .yml.

Community preference:

YAML community usually prefers. YAML, because it meets the official standards of Yaml and avoid confusion. Old system:

Due to the historical archive expansion name limit, some older tools and systems only identify .yml files.

• Why are there two extensions?
.yml as the existence of the extension can be traced back to the limitation of the early file system, these file systems only allow the extension names (such as .txt or .xml) of three characters. As the modern archive system now supports the longer expansion name, .yaml has become the first choice in most projects, which is in line with YAML's official documentation.
• When to use .yaml and .yml?
.yaml and .yml's choice depends on your specific use case:
• Standardization:
If you want to comply with the official standard of YAML, please use .yaml.

Old system: If you are using old tools or systems that only support .yml, insist on using .yml to ensure compatibility.

Team or project guide:

Check your team agreement and maintain consistency by using an extension name throughout the project.

The best practice named YAML file

• Check the requirements: Always verify whether the tools or system you use requires a specific extension name.
Maintain consistency:
• No matter which extension you choose, you must ensure that consistency in the entire project. Record your choice:
Clearly record the reasons for your choice of expansion to avoid confusion between team members.
• Common cases of YAML files

YAML files are widely used, widely used in various software fields:

Configuration file:

YAML is usually used to define the configuration settings of the application, such as docker compose (docker-compose.yaml) or Kubernetes list.

Data serialization:
• YAML is used for serialized structured data to make it easy to exchange between systems. CI/CD pipeline:
Github Actions and Gitlab CI/CD and other platforms seriously rely on YAML files to define the workflow configuration.
• Conclusion
• YAML and YML are essentially the same. The only difference is that their file extension names. Although .yaml is the preferred standard in modern development, understanding of the background and history of .yml can ensure that it is compatible with the old system when needed. By following the best practice and selecting the expansion name that meets the needs of the project, you can simplify the workflow and avoid unnecessary confusion.

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