YAML to JSON Converter

Convert YAML documents to JSON format with syntax highlighting and proper indentation

Overview

An advanced online YAML to JSON converter that transforms YAML documents into properly formatted JSON with full support for complex data structures. Features include real-time validation, syntax highlighting, and customizable output formatting.

Key Benefits

  • Instant YAML to JSON conversion
  • Preservation of data types and structures
  • Real-time syntax validation
  • Customizable JSON formatting
  • Support for complex YAML features
  • Detailed error reporting
  • Cross-browser compatibility

Primary Use Cases

  • Converting configuration files
  • API development and testing
  • Data format migration
  • Documentation preparation
  • Development workflow automation

Features

Main Features

  • Real-time YAML validation
  • Customizable JSON indentation
  • Support for YAML aliases
  • Type inference and preservation
  • Error highlighting
  • Syntax highlighting
  • One-click conversion

Technical Specifications

  • Handles files up to 10MB
  • Supports YAML 1.2
  • Preserves number precision
  • Handles complex structures
  • Maintains data types

How It Works

The converter uses a robust YAML parser to process the input, validates the structure, and generates properly formatted JSON while preserving data types and hierarchies.

Steps

  1. Input YAML is parsed and validated
  2. Data types are identified and preserved
  3. Structure is mapped to JSON format
  4. Output is formatted according to settings
  5. Final JSON is validated
  6. Formatted result is displayed

Limitations

  • Maximum file size: 10MB
  • YAML merge keys are flattened
  • Custom tags not supported

Examples

Basic YAML to JSON Conversion

Converting a simple YAML structure to JSON

Input:

name: John Doe
age: 30
hobbies:
  - reading
  - hiking
address:
  street: 123 Main St
  city: Boston

Output:

{
  "name": "John Doe",
  "age": 30,
  "hobbies": [
    "reading",
    "hiking"
  ],
  "address": {
    "street": "123 Main St",
    "city": "Boston"
  }
}

Frequently Asked Questions

How are YAML data types handled?

The converter preserves YAML data types when converting to JSON, including numbers, booleans, nulls, arrays, and objects.

What happens to YAML comments?

YAML comments are removed during conversion as JSON doesn't support comments in its specification.

Can I convert multiple YAML documents?

Yes, multiple YAML documents are converted into a JSON array, with each document as an element.

Tips & Best Practices

Best Practices

  • Validate YAML before conversion
  • Use consistent indentation
  • Keep key names JSON-compatible
  • Avoid YAML-specific features
  • Use appropriate data types

Common Pitfalls

  • Invalid YAML syntax
  • Inconsistent indentation
  • Using YAML merge keys
  • Complex anchor references
  • Non-JSON-compatible structures