Guides · Structure & safety

JSON, YAML, and XML

They all nest data. The cost of picking the wrong one is usually a conversion step that drops comments or turns a one-item list into an object.

Short version

  • Public HTTP APIs and browsers: JSON.
  • Human-edited ops config with comments: YAML, plus CI validation. Watch implicit types (NO, off).
  • Mixed text and attributes, or an existing SOAP world: XML.

HiJSON reads JSON. Convert first, then inspect paths. See the tree view.

Open HiJSON →