YAML ↔ JSON Converter
Convert between YAML and JSON formats. Perfect for configuration files and data transformation.
YAML Format
Human-readable data serialization format commonly used for configuration files.
- • Uses indentation for structure
- • Supports comments with #
- • More readable than JSON
- • Popular in DevOps tools
JSON Format
JavaScript Object Notation - lightweight data interchange format.
- • Native JavaScript support
- • Widely supported by APIs
- • Strict syntax requirements
- • No comments allowed
Tips
- • YAML is a superset of JSON - valid JSON is also valid YAML
- • YAML uses spaces for indentation, not tabs
- • JSON requires double quotes for strings
- • Use the swap button to quickly convert back and forth
- • Both formats support nested structures and arrays
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I use YAML versus JSON for configuration files?
Use YAML for human-edited config files (Docker Compose, Kubernetes, CI/CD pipelines) due to better readability, comment support, and less syntax noise. Use JSON for APIs, data interchange, and programmatic generation since it's faster to parse, more widely supported, and has strict syntax that prevents ambiguity. Many tools support both formats.
What are the main syntax differences between YAML and JSON?
YAML uses indentation (spaces only, no tabs) for structure, colons for key-value pairs, dashes for arrays, and supports comments with #. JSON uses braces , brackets [], quotes around all keys and string values, and doesn't allow comments. YAML is more concise but whitespace-sensitive. JSON is stricter but machine-readable and less error-prone.
Does the converter preserve data types and nested structures?
Yes! The converter preserves all data types (strings, numbers, booleans, null), nested objects, arrays, and structure during conversion. Numbers stay as numbers, booleans as true/false, and nested levels maintain their hierarchy. When converting YAML to JSON, comments are removed since JSON doesn't support them. All other data remains intact.
Can I convert between formatted and minified JSON?
Yes! When converting YAML to JSON, toggle between "Formatted" (indented, readable) and "Minified" (compact, single-line) output. Formatted JSON is ideal for development and debugging with proper indentation. Minified JSON removes whitespace for production APIs, reducing file size and bandwidth usage while maintaining all data.
Why am I getting syntax errors when converting my YAML or JSON?
Common YAML errors: mixing tabs and spaces, incorrect indentation levels, missing colons, or invalid characters. Common JSON errors: trailing commas, single quotes instead of double quotes, unquoted keys, or missing commas between elements. The converter displays specific error messages. Fix syntax issues in the original format before converting.
How do I use the swap feature to convert back and forth?
Click the "Swap" button to instantly reverse the conversion. The current output becomes the new input, and the conversion direction switches (YAML → JSON becomes JSON → YAML). This is useful for testing conversions, making small edits, or ensuring data round-trips correctly between formats without loss of information.