YAML Formatter

Source: Dev.to

Why Proper Formatting Matters

• Prevents configuration failures in applications, CI/CD pipelines, and deployments.
• Improves readability and maintainability for teams.
• Speeds up debugging by making parent–child relationships clear.

Core Formatting Benefits

• Fixes indentation and ensures spaces (tabs are not allowed).
• Aligns hierarchical structures and list items.
• Normalizes style (e.g., converts inline YAML to block format, applies consistent quoting).
• Validates syntax: detects missing colons, invalid nesting, and other errors.

Optional Enhancements

• Sorts keys alphabetically.
• Enforces project‑wide formatting rules.

Common Features

• Paste & format – instant formatting of copied YAML.
• Syntax error highlighting – visual cues for problems.
• One‑click copy output – easy reuse of the formatted result.
• Live formatting – formats as you type or on save.

Popular Tools

These tools can be integrated into build pipelines for automated checks.

Usage Examples

# Lint a YAML file with yamllint
yamllint file.yaml

# Format a YAML file with Prettier
prettier --write file.yaml

Sample Before / After

Before (incorrect indentation):

services:
app:
image:node
ports:
- "3000:3000"

After (properly formatted):

services:
  app:
    image: node
    ports:
      - "3000:3000"

Typical Use Cases

• Docker configuration files (docker-compose.yml)
• Kubernetes manifests
• GitHub Actions workflows
• CI/CD pipeline definitions
• Helm charts
• General application configuration files

Proper formatting helps prevent runtime configuration errors, makes YAML files human‑readable, enforces consistent standards, and reduces debugging and deployment issues—ultimately improving collaboration in team projects.