YAML Version Compatibility

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YAML version compatibility is crucial for ensuring that your YAML files work seamlessly across different YAML parsers and applications. As YAML has evolved, new features and syntax changes have been introduced, making it essential to understand version differences.

YAML Versions

YAML has gone through several versions since its inception. The most common versions are:

YAML 1.0 (2004)
YAML 1.1 (2005)
YAML 1.2 (2009)

Key Differences Between Versions

Understanding the differences between YAML versions can help you write more compatible YAML files. Here are some notable changes:

YAML 1.1 to 1.2

Removed support for sexagesimal numbers and octal numbers
Changed the handling of yes, no, on, and off as boolean values
Introduced new rules for YAML strings and escaping

Ensuring Compatibility

To maintain compatibility across different YAML versions, consider the following best practices:

Use the YAML version directive at the start of your file:
```
%YAML 1.2
---
key: value
```
Avoid using version-specific features when possible

Use explicit typing for ambiguous values:

boolean_value: !!bool yes
string_value: !!str 123

Test your YAML files with different parsers and versions

Common Compatibility Issues

Be aware of these potential compatibility problems:

Boolean representation differences
Handling of special characters in YAML strings
Differences in YAML indentation interpretation
Changes in YAML tags and their behavior

Tools for Checking Compatibility

Several tools can help you verify YAML version compatibility:

YAML Online Validators: Web-based tools for checking YAML syntax and version compatibility
YAML Command Line Tools: Utilities for parsing and validating YAML files locally
YAML IDE Plugins: Extensions for popular integrated development environments that provide YAML support and version checking

Conclusion

Understanding YAML version compatibility is essential for creating robust and portable YAML files. By following best practices and being aware of version differences, you can ensure your YAML documents work consistently across various applications and parsers.