YAML

What is YAML?

YAML stands for ‘YAML Ain't Markup Language’ (YAML is not a markup language). It is a human-readable data format that is easy to understand and write. Unlike other formats such as JSON or XML, YAML uses indentation to represent the structure of the data, which makes it look clean and simple.

In TYPO3 YAML is often used for configuration purposes. This includes setting up templates, defining page layouts, configuring menus and more. It is a handy tool for developers and integrators to easily manage settings.

Why YAML in TYPO3?

TYPO3 uses YAML because it's both powerful and easy to read. Here's why it's so popular:

1. Simplicity: YAML files are easy to read and write. The clear structure of the format makes it easy for anyone, even newcomers to TYPO3, to understand and edit the files.
2. Flexibility : With YAML, you can configure many aspects of your TYPO3 site without having to touch PHP code. This makes changes easier and ensures that the site remains consistent.
3. Efficiency: YAML files are lightweight and load quickly, ensuring that your TYPO3 site runs smoothly.

How YAML is used in TYPO3

Here are some common areas where you'll find YAML in TYPO3:

• Site configuration: YAML files are used to configure various page settings, such as language options, routing and URL processing.
• Page layouts: You can define different page layouts with YAML, which makes it easy to customise the display of your content.
• Backend configuration: YAML helps to set up the backend, including defining custom content elements and configuring the editor interface.

A simple example

Let's look at a simple example of a TYPO3 YAML file:

yaml

MySite:title: ‘My TYPO3 Site “language: ”en ’baseURL:‘https://www.mysite.com “pages:home:title: ”Home “about:title: ”About Us “contact:title: ”Contact’

In this simple example, we define some basic site settings. The MySite key contains all the configurations, including the title of the page, the language and the base URL. We have also defined three pages: Home, About Us and Contact Us.

How to get started

Getting started with YAML in TYPO3 is easy. You will find YAML files in your TYPO3 installation, usually in the Configuration folder. You can use any text editor to edit these files. Remember to keep the correct indentation as YAML relies on this to understand the structure.

If you're new to YAML, don't worry-there are plenty of resources and examples in the TYPO3 documentation. Start with simple configurations and gradually explore more advanced features.

Conclusion

YAML is a powerful tool that makes configuring TYPO3 sites easier and more efficient. By understanding the basics of YAML and its use in TYPO3, you can better control the settings and customisations of your site. With its simplicity and flexibility, YAML is an essential part of TYPO3 development.