PHP library YAML

YAML Definition : YAML Ain't Markup Language

Why we use ?
YAML is a human friendly data serialization standard for all programming languages.

What is it?

Symfony YAML is a PHP library that parses YAML strings and converts them to PHP arrays. It can also converts PHP arrays to YAML strings.

YAML is a great format for your configuration files. YAML files are as expressive as XML files and as readable as INI files.

Easy to use

Released under the MIT license, you are free to do whatever you want, even in a commercial environment. You are also encouraged to contribute.
Used by popular Projects

Symfony YAML was initially released as part of the symfony framework, one of the most popular PHP web framework. It is also embedded in other popular projects like PHPUnit or Doctrine.

Documented
Symfony YAML is fully documented, with a dedicated online book, and of course a full API documentation.

Fast
One of the goal of Symfony YAML is to find the right balance between speed and features. It supports just the needed feature to handle configuration files.
Unit tested

The library is fully unit-tested. With more than 400 unit tests, the library is stable and is already used in large projects.
Real Parser

It sports a real parser and is able to parse a large subset of the YAML specification, for all your configuration needs. It also means that the parser is pretty robust, easy to understand, and simple enough to extend.
Clear error messages

Whenever you have a syntax problem with your YAML files, the library outputs a helpful message with the filename and the line number where the problem occurred. It eases the debugging a lot.


Dump support
It is also able to dump PHP arrays to YAML with object support, and inline level configuration for pretty outputs.

Types Support
It supports most of the YAML built-in types like dates, integers, octals, booleans, and much more...

Full merge key support
Full support for references, aliases, and full merge key. Don't repeat yourself by referencing common configuration bits.
PHP Embedding

YAML files are dynamic

By embedding PHP code inside a YAML file, you have even more power for your configuration files.