YAML vs JSON
Both describe the same data. The difference is who reads it.
Side-by-side
| Dimension | YAML | JSON |
|---|---|---|
| Readability | High (indentation) | Lower (brackets) |
| Comments | Supported (#) | Not supported |
| Humans edit it? | Yes (config files) | Rarely |
| Machines exchange it? | Less common | Default (APIs) |
| Strictness | Significant whitespace | Braces & quotes |
When to use YAML
Use YAML for human-authored configuration: Kubernetes, Docker Compose, GitHub Actions, and app settings. Readability and comments matter more than machine parsing.
When to use JSON
Use JSON for machine-to-machine data exchange: REST APIs, web responses, and storage where a strict, bracket-based format is expected.
Converting between them
Need YAML in a JSON-only system? Use our YAML to JSON converter. Going the other way for a config file? Use the JSON to YAML converter. Both run in your browser with no upload. Comparing a third format too? See YAML vs JSON vs XML. Still deciding? Read why use YAML over JSON for the five things YAML does that JSON cannot.
FAQ
Is YAML better than JSON?
Neither is universally better. YAML is better for human-authored config files (Kubernetes, GitHub Actions, Docker Compose) because it supports comments and is readable. JSON is better for machine-to-machine data exchange (REST APIs) because it is strict and bracket-based. Use YAML when a person edits it; use JSON when a service consumes it.
Can YAML do things JSON cannot?
Yes. YAML supports comments, anchors and aliases for reusing values, multi-line strings, and meaningful whitespace. JSON has none of these. See why use YAML over JSON for the five things YAML does that JSON cannot.
How do I convert YAML to JSON?
Paste your YAML into the YAML to JSON converter — it runs in your browser, needs no upload, and gives you clean JSON you can copy or download. To go the other way, use the JSON to YAML converter.