YAML files are commonly identified by their unique file extensions. These extensions play a crucial role in distinguishing YAML documents from other file types and ensuring proper processing by YAML-aware applications.
YAML files typically use one of the following extensions:
Both extensions are interchangeable and equally valid for YAML documents. The choice between them is often a matter of personal preference or project conventions.
File extensions serve several important purposes in the context of YAML:
When creating a YAML file, simply append the chosen extension to your filename. For example:
config.yaml
data.yml
Most text editors and IDEs will automatically recognize these extensions and provide syntax highlighting and other YAML-specific features.
Various tools and platforms may have preferences for specific YAML file extensions:
.yml
for compose files..yaml
and .yml
for manifests..yml
.It's important to consult the documentation of the specific tool or platform you're working with to ensure compatibility.
Understanding and properly using YAML file extensions is fundamental to working with YAML documents effectively. Whether you choose .yaml
or .yml
, ensuring consistency and following best practices will contribute to a smoother development process and better integration with YAML-aware tools and systems.