How to Represent Boolean Values in YAML

In YAML (YAML Ain't Markup Language), boolean values are used to represent true/false conditions. These values are essential for configuration files and data serialization, allowing developers to specify options and settings that can be toggled on or off. YAML provides a straightforward syntax for representing boolean values.

1. Basic Representation of Boolean Values

Boolean values in YAML can be represented using the keywords true and false. These keywords are case-sensitive and must be written in lowercase. 

        
is_active: true
is_deleted: false

In this example:

  • is_active is a key with a boolean value of true.
  • is_deleted is a key with a boolean value of false.

2. Alternative Representations

YAML also allows for alternative representations of boolean values. You can use the following values to represent true and false:

  • y or Y for true
  • n or N for false
  • yes for true
  • no for false

Here’s an example using these alternative representations: 

        
is_enabled: yes
is_visible: no
is_verified: Y
is_active: n

In this example:

  • is_enabled is set to yes, which is equivalent to true.
  • is_visible is set to no, which is equivalent to false.
  • is_verified uses Y to represent true.
  • is_active uses n to represent false.

3. Important Points to Remember

  • Boolean values are case-sensitive; use lowercase true and false for standard representation.
  • Alternative representations such as y, n, yes, and no can be used but should be consistent throughout the document.
  • Ensure that boolean values are not confused with strings; for example, "true" (with quotes) is a string, not a boolean.

Conclusion

In summary, boolean values in YAML can be represented using true and false, as well as alternative representations like y, n, yes, and no. Understanding how to correctly represent boolean values is essential for creating clear and effective YAML configurations.