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YAMLScript

Next-Generation YAML

YAMLScript is the future of YAML, extending the language with powerful programming capabilities while maintaining backward compatibility with existing YAML 1.2.

What is YAMLScript?

YAMLScript is a superset of YAML that adds programming language features to the familiar YAML syntax, enabling you to write executable YAML documents.

Key Features

  • Backward Compatible - All existing YAML 1.2 documents work unchanged
  • Programming Capabilities - Functions, variables, loops, and conditionals
  • Data Processing - Transform and manipulate YAML data programmatically
  • Template System - Generate dynamic YAML content
  • Performance - Optimized execution for large documents

Why YAMLScript?

Current Limitations

Traditional YAML has limitations for complex use cases:

  • Static Content - No dynamic generation capabilities
  • Repetition - Manual duplication of similar structures
  • Validation - Limited runtime validation and transformation
  • Integration - Difficult to integrate with external data sources

YAMLScript Solutions

YAMLScript addresses these limitations:

  • Dynamic Generation - Create YAML content programmatically
  • DRY Principle - Eliminate repetition through functions and loops
  • Runtime Validation - Validate and transform data at execution time
  • External Integration - Connect to databases, APIs, and services

Use Cases

Infrastructure as Code

Generate complex Kubernetes configurations dynamically:

# Generate multiple similar deployments
deployments:
  for service in services:
    - apiVersion: apps/v1
      kind: Deployment
      metadata:
        name: ${service.name}
        labels:
          app: ${service.name}
      spec:
        replicas: ${service.replicas}
        selector:
          matchLabels:
            app: ${service.name}

Configuration Management

Create dynamic application configurations:

# Environment-specific configuration
config:
  database:
    host: ${env.DB_HOST}
    port: ${env.DB_PORT}
    credentials: ${load_secrets('db')}

  features:
    for feature in features:
      ${feature.name}: ${feature.enabled}

Data Processing

Transform and validate YAML data:

# Process and validate user input
users:
  for user in input_users:
    if validate_user(user):
      - name: ${user.name}
        email: ${user.email}
        role: ${determine_role(user.permissions)}

Language Features

Variables and Expressions

# Define and use variables
vars:
  company_name: "Acme Corp"
  api_version: "v1"

config:
  company: ${company_name}
  version: ${api_version}
  timestamp: ${now()}

Functions

# Define reusable functions
functions:
  generate_id: |
    function(name, type) {
      return "${type}_${name}_${uuid()}"
    }

  validate_email: |
    function(email) {
      return email.matches(/^[^@]+@[^@]+\.[^@]+$/)
    }

Control Flow

# Conditional and loop constructs
services:
  for service in service_list:
    if service.enabled:
      - name: ${service.name}
        config: ${service.config}
    else:
      - name: ${service.name}
        status: "disabled"

Error Handling

# Robust error handling
try:
  config: ${load_config()}
catch error:
  config: ${default_config()}
  log: "Failed to load config: ${error.message}"

Implementation Status

Current Development

YAMLScript is currently in active development with:

  • Core Language - Basic syntax and execution engine
  • Standard Library - Built-in functions and utilities
  • Documentation - Language reference and examples
  • Testing Suite - Comprehensive test coverage

Roadmap

Phase 1 (2025): - Basic language features - Core execution engine - Standard library functions

Phase 2 (2026): - Advanced language features - Performance optimization - IDE and tooling support

Phase 3 (2027): - Enterprise features - Integration capabilities - Production deployment tools

Getting Started

Installation

YAMLScript will be available through:

  • Package Managers - npm, pip, go install
  • Binary Downloads - Pre-compiled executables
  • Source Code - GitHub repository

First Steps

  1. Install YAMLScript - Get the latest version
  2. Try Examples - Run sample YAMLScript files
  3. Read Documentation - Learn language features
  4. Build Something - Create your first YAMLScript

Learning Resources

  • Language Tutorial - Step-by-step introduction
  • Examples Gallery - Real-world use cases
  • API Reference - Complete function documentation
  • Best Practices - Writing effective YAMLScript

Enterprise Support

YES Program Benefits

Enterprise sponsors of the YES program receive:

  • Early Access - Test YAMLScript before public release
  • Custom Features - Influence development priorities
  • Priority Support - Fast response to issues and questions
  • Training and Consulting - Expert guidance for your teams

Use Cases

YAMLScript is particularly valuable for enterprises with:

  • Complex Infrastructure - Large Kubernetes deployments
  • Dynamic Configurations - Environment-specific settings
  • Data Processing - ETL and transformation workflows
  • Integration Needs - Multiple systems and data sources

Community Involvement

Development

  • GitHub Repository - Contribute to YAMLScript development
  • Issue Tracking - Report bugs and request features
  • Discussion Forum - Share ideas and get help

Feedback and Testing

  • Beta Testing - Try early versions and provide feedback
  • Use Case Sharing - Share how you're using YAMLScript
  • Performance Testing - Help optimize for your workloads

Future Vision

Long-term Goals

YAMLScript aims to become:

  • Industry Standard - De facto standard for dynamic YAML
  • Performance Leader - Fastest YAML processing available
  • Enterprise Ready - Production-grade reliability and support
  • Community Driven - Open development with broad participation

Integration Ecosystem

Future integrations include:

  • IDEs and Editors - Native YAMLScript support
  • CI/CD Tools - Build and deployment integration
  • Cloud Platforms - Native cloud service support
  • Monitoring Tools - Runtime observation and debugging

Ready to explore the future of YAML? Contact us to learn more about YAMLScript and how it can benefit your organization.