Is YAML Replacing JSON?
No, YAML is not replacing JSON. They serve different purposes: JSON dominates APIs and web data, while YAML leads in configuration files. Both formats are growing in usage. YAML's popularity in DevOps doesn't mean JSON is declining—it remains the standard for REST APIs and JavaScript. Need to convert between them? Try our free online converter.
They Serve Different Purposes
JSON and YAML aren't competing—they're designed for different use cases:
| Use Case | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| REST APIs | JSON | Native JavaScript, fast parsing |
| Config files | YAML | Comments, readability |
| Web storage | JSON | Browser support, compact |
| Kubernetes | YAML | Multi-document, readable |
| NoSQL databases | JSON | MongoDB, CouchDB native |
| CI/CD pipelines | YAML | GitHub Actions, GitLab CI |
Where YAML is Growing
YAML has become the standard in these areas:
- Kubernetes: All manifests use YAML
- Docker Compose: Container orchestration
- CI/CD: GitHub Actions, GitLab CI, CircleCI
- Ansible: Infrastructure automation
- Helm Charts: Kubernetes package manager
- OpenAPI: API specifications (alongside JSON)
Why DevOps Prefers YAML
# YAML allows comments - essential for config files
apiVersion: apps/v1
kind: Deployment
metadata:
name: my-app
# This label is used for service selection
labels:
app: my-appComments, readability, and multi-document support make YAML ideal for configuration.
Where JSON Dominates
JSON remains the undisputed leader in:
- REST APIs: 90%+ of web APIs use JSON
- JavaScript: Native object notation
- NoSQL: MongoDB, CouchDB, Firebase
- Web Storage: localStorage, IndexedDB
- Package managers: package.json, composer.json
- Browser DevTools: Network responses
Why JSON for APIs
// JSON.parse is native JavaScript - no library needed
const response = await fetch('/api/users');
const data = await response.json(); // Built-in!
// YAML would require a library
// import YAML from 'yaml';
// const data = YAML.parse(text); // Extra dependencyJSON's native browser support makes it unbeatable for web APIs.
Adoption Trends in 2025
| Trend | Impact on JSON | Impact on YAML |
|---|---|---|
| Cloud-native growth | Neutral | ✅ Increasing |
| API economy | ✅ Increasing | Neutral |
| AI/LLM outputs | ✅ Preferred | Less reliable |
| GitOps | Neutral | ✅ Increasing |
| Edge computing | ✅ Smaller size | Neutral |
The Bottom Line
Both JSON and YAML are growing. The rise of Kubernetes and DevOps increased YAML usage. The growth of APIs and AI increased JSON usage. Neither is replacing the other.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is YAML replacing JSON?
No, YAML is not replacing JSON. They serve different purposes: JSON dominates APIs and web data exchange, while YAML is preferred for configuration files. Both formats are growing in usage, each in their respective domains. YAML's growth in DevOps doesn't mean JSON is declining.
Is JSON or YAML more popular?
JSON is more widely used overall due to web APIs and JavaScript's dominance. YAML is more popular in DevOps, Kubernetes, and configuration management. In 2025, JSON usage continues to grow with APIs, while YAML grows with cloud-native technologies.
Should I learn JSON or YAML?
Learn both. JSON is essential for web development, APIs, and JavaScript. YAML is essential for DevOps, Kubernetes, Docker, and configuration. They're both simple formats that take minutes to learn. Most developers need both in their toolkit.
Will JSON become obsolete?
No, JSON will not become obsolete. It's the standard for REST APIs, JavaScript object notation, and web data exchange. JSON's ecosystem is massive with native browser support, universal language libraries, and deep integration into web infrastructure.
Need to convert between formats?
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