Basic Data Types Supported by YAML

YAML (YAML Ain't Markup Language) supports several basic data types that allow for the representation of complex data structures. Understanding these data types is essential for effectively using YAML in configuration files, data serialization, and other applications. Below are the primary data types supported by YAML.

1. Scalars

Scalars are the simplest data types in YAML, representing single values. Scalars can be strings, numbers, booleans, or null values.

Strings

Strings can be defined using single quotes (') or double quotes ("). They can also be unquoted if they do not contain special characters.

        
name: "John Doe"
occupation: 'Software Developer'
description: This is a simple string.
            

Numbers

Numbers can be represented as integers or floating-point values. YAML supports both decimal and hexadecimal formats.

        
age: 30
height: 5.9
hex_value: 0x1A
            

Booleans

Boolean values can be represented as true or false, as well as using alternative representations like y, n, yes, and no.

        
is_active: true
is_verified: false
is_admin: y
            

Null Values

Null values can be represented using the tilde (~) or the keyword null. An empty value can also represent null.

        
email: ~
address: null
phone: 
            

2. Sequences (Lists)

Sequences, or lists, are ordered collections of items. In YAML, sequences are defined using a dash (-) followed by a space for each item.

        
fruits:
  - Apple
  - Banana
  - Cherry
            

In this example, fruits is a list containing three items: Apple, Banana, and Cherry.

3. Mappings (Dictionaries)

Mappings, or dictionaries, are collections of key-value pairs. In YAML, mappings are defined using a key followed by a colon (:) and a value.

        
person:
  name: John Doe
  age: 30
  occupation: Software Developer
            

In this example, person is a mapping with three key-value pairs: name, age, and occupation.

4. Nested Structures

YAML allows for the nesting of sequences and mappings, enabling the representation of complex data structures. Here’s an example of a nested structure:

        
employees:
  - name: Alice
    age: 28
    skills:
      - Python
      - JavaScript
  - name: Bob
    age: 35
    skills:
      - Leadership
      - Communication
            

In this example, employees is a list of mappings, where each mapping represents an employee with their name, age, and a nested list of skills.

Conclusion

In summary, YAML supports several basic data types, including scalars (strings, numbers, booleans, and null values), sequences (lists), and mappings (dictionaries). The ability to nest these data types allows for the creation of complex and structured data representations, making YAML a powerful choice for configuration files and data serialization. Understanding these basic data types is crucial for effectively utilizing YAML in various applications, ensuring that data is represented accurately and efficiently.