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Basic Usage

This guide will walk you through the fundamental steps of using the YAML to JSON Converter tool effectively.

Getting Started

Step 1: Access the Tool

Navigate to the YAML to JSON Converter tool from the main page or use the direct link: /yaml-to-json

Step 2: Input Your YAML

In the Input Section on the left side of the interface:

  1. Paste YAML Content: Copy your YAML data and paste it into the input textarea
  2. Type Directly: You can also type YAML content directly into the input field
  3. Load Example: Click the "Load Example" button to see a sample YAML configuration

Step 3: View the Conversion

The tool automatically converts your YAML to JSON in real-time:

  • Output Section: The converted JSON appears in the right panel
  • Error Handling: If there are syntax errors, they'll be displayed clearly
  • Character Count: See the length of both input and output

Input Methods

Method 1: Direct Input

Simply type or paste your YAML content into the input textarea.

# Example YAML
database:
  host: localhost
  port: 5432
  name: myapp

Method 2: Load Example

Click the "Load Example" button to see a comprehensive YAML configuration that demonstrates various YAML features.

Method 3: File Upload

While not directly supported in the current version, you can copy content from YAML files and paste it into the input area.

Understanding the Output

Valid Conversion

When your YAML is valid, you'll see:

{
  "database": {
    "host": "localhost",
    "port": 5432,
    "name": "myapp"
  }
}

Error Handling

If there are issues with your YAML syntax, you'll see:

  • Error Message: Clear description of what went wrong
  • Error Location: Information about where the error occurred
  • Red Border: Visual indication of the error state

Basic Operations

Copy Results

  1. Click the Copy button next to the output
  2. The JSON content is copied to your clipboard
  3. Paste it wherever you need it

Download Results

  1. Click the Download button next to the output
  2. A JSON file is downloaded to your device
  3. The file is named output.json by default

Clear Input

  1. Click the Clear button to remove all input
  2. This also clears the output area
  3. Start fresh with new YAML content

Formatting Options

Pretty Print (Default)

The tool automatically formats JSON with proper indentation for readability.

Minify JSON

Click the Minify button to remove all unnecessary whitespace:

Before (Pretty):

{
  "name": "John",
  "age": 30
}

After (Minified):

{ "name": "John", "age": 30 }

Character Counting

The tool displays character counts for both input and output:

  • Input Characters: Shows the length of your YAML content
  • Output Characters: Shows the length of the converted JSON

This helps you understand the size difference between formats.

Tips for Success

1. Valid YAML Syntax

Ensure your YAML follows proper syntax rules:

  • Use consistent indentation (spaces or tabs, but not both)
  • Properly quote strings when necessary
  • Use correct list and mapping syntax

2. Start Simple

Begin with simple YAML structures and gradually work with more complex data.

3. Use Examples

The built-in examples are great for learning different YAML patterns.

4. Check for Errors

Always review error messages carefully - they provide valuable information about syntax issues.

Common YAML Patterns

Simple Key-Value Pairs

name: John Doe
age: 30
email: john@example.com

Nested Objects

user:
  name: John Doe
  profile:
    bio: Software Developer
    location: New York

Lists

fruits:
  - apple
  - banana
  - orange

Mixed Structures

users:
  - name: John
    age: 30
  - name: Jane
    age: 25

Next Steps

Now that you understand the basics, explore:

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