Top 5 Open Source YAML Editors for Streamlined Coding!

Are you looking for the best YAML editors to assist you in managing your configurations and data transfer between applications? Look no further, as this blog on the top open-source YAML editors will be your guide!

Firstly, What is YAML?

YAML, or “Yet Another Markup Language,” is a simple and human-readable data serialization format that has become increasingly popular in the development community.¹ Its many uses are defining data objects and configuration files. It’s an excellent option for system administrators and developers due to its readability and flexibility.

But why is YAML so important? It’s a fantastic tool for configuring applications or defining data objects because it makes it simple to represent complex data structures. Additionally, YAML is accessible to developers regardless of their preferred tech stack because a wide range of programming languages and platforms support it. 

Top Open Source YAML Editors

1. YAML Editor

If you’re looking for a user-friendly YAML editor that’s both lightweight and open-source, look no further than YAML Editor. Syntax highlighting, validation, and an intuitive user interface are just a few features this robust tool offers to simplify working with YAML files.

The YAML Editor’s user-friendly interface is one of its main advantages. You’ll find the editor’s intuitive design simple to use whether you’re an experienced developer or just getting started. The syntax highlighting feature makes distinguishing between the various elements in your YAML files simple, and the validation feature enables you to find errors early on.

It’s open-source, so you can use it without charge and contribute to its development if you’d like. Additionally, it’s a fantastic option for beginning developers thanks to its lightweight design and user-friendly interface.

On the downside, YAML Editor might not have all the sophisticated features some developers require. It does not provide integrated debugging tools like how VS Code does, or code folding, which might be a con for some users.

Overall, the user experience with YAML Editor is generally favorable. Its user-friendly interface and functional features make it easy to work with YAML files, even if you’re not an experienced developer. 

2. Atom 

Atom is an excellent option if you’re looking for a robust and adaptable code editor. Atom is a well-liked open-source editor among developers because of its many fantastic features.

Atom offers syntax highlighting and autocompletion to make working with YAML files simple. This means that as you’re typing, Atom will suggest code snippets and completions that match what you’re typing. This can save you time and help you write code more efficiently.

However, some users complain that Atom can be resource-intensive and slow to launch, especially if you have a lot of installed plugins. Atom may not be as user-friendly for beginners as some other editors, another potential drawback. If you’re new to coding, Atom has a steeper learning curve than other editors like Visual Studio Code.

In terms of user experience, Atom is generally quite intuitive to use. The editor has many valuable features, including the ability to split your screen into multiple panes and search and replace text across multiple files. The interface is clear and straightforward to use.

Atom has zero fees associated with its use making this a great option.

3. Visual Studio Code 

Visual Studio Code is a great option if you’re looking for a powerful and versatile code editor. Its many great features as an open-source editor make it a popular choice for developers, and it also has some benefits over other editors like Atom.

One of the most significant advantages of Visual Studio Code is its speed and performance. Visual Studio Code is designed to be fast and lightweight. As a result, it will keep you from bogging down or consuming excessive system resources while efficiently handling big projects and complicated codebases.

It supports various programming languages and frameworks. Visual Studio Code has the tools and features required to complete the task, whether you’re working with JavaScript, Python, C++, or any other language. However, some users find Visual Studio Code overwhelming initially, especially if they’re new to coding or used to a more straightforward editor like Atom.

Another potential drawback of Visual Studio Code is the numerous fragmented plugins and the fact that you must download individual parts, low-quality plugins, and expensive paid plugins. Furthermore, even though Visual Studio Code is open source and cost-free, access to some of its more sophisticated features might necessitate a paid subscription.

In terms of user experience, Visual Studio Code is also very user-friendly. The user interface is clear and simple to use. It has many helpful features like integrated Git support, debugging tools, and IntelliSense, which offers autocompletion and other clever features to help you write code more effectively.

4. Sublime Text  

If you’re looking for a potent and feature-rich code editor, Sublime Text is worth considering. One of its fantastic features is that it supports YAML syntax highlighting, which can simplify working with YAML files and increase productivity.

Customization is one of the best aspects of Sublime Text. To suit your preferences and workflow, you can alter almost every aspect of the editor, including the color scheme and keyboard shortcuts. This level of customization can help you work more efficiently and make Sublime Text feel like a natural extension of your coding environment.

Another critical feature of Sublime Text is its speed and performance. Even when working with large files or complex codebases, the editor is made to be quick and responsive. If you have much work to do or are working under a tight deadline, doing this can save you time and frustration. However, some users find Sublime Text overwhelming at first, especially if they’re new to coding or are used to a simpler editor like Notepad++.

Another potential downside of Sublime Text is its pricing. The editor is free to use indefinitely, but you’ll need to buy a license if you want to access all of its features. This can be a bit of a barrier for some users, especially if you don’t have much money to spend on tools.

Sublime Text is generally very user-friendly in terms of the user experience. The editor has several valuable features, including split editing, multiple selections, and the capacity to search and replace text across multiple files. The interface is clear and simple to use. As you write code, these features aid in making your work more productive and organized.

5. Notepad++ 

Notepad++ is a great option for an uncomplicated and portable code editor when it comes to YAML editors. Despite its minimalistic design, it offers many features that make it a helpful tool for developers.

The fact that Notepad++ supports a wide range of programming languages is one of its best qualities. No matter if you’re working with YAML, JSON, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, or any other language, it has the tools and features needed to finish tasks.

Another advantage of Notepad++ is its speed and performance. Notepad++ is lightweight and quick, unlike some other code editors that can be slow to launch and consume many system resources. This means it can easily handle even large YAML files and complex codebases without slowing down or using too much of your system’s resources.

However, some users may find that Notepad++ lacks some of the sophisticated features and customization options that they require for more involved projects. For instance, it lacks a built-in YAML linter or validator, which can make it more challenging to identify and resolve problems in your YAML code.

In terms of user experience, Notepad++ is generally straightforward to use. The editor’s interface is clear and uncomplicated, and it has many useful features like syntax highlighting, auto-completion, and the option to create custom keyboard shortcuts. These features can improve your productivity and make editing YAML files easier and more enjoyable.

Comparison of Top YAML Editors

Here is a comparison of the editors based on different criteria to assist you in selecting the best YAML Editor for your requirements:

Editor	Ease of Use	Functionality	Performance	Community Support
YAML Editor	High	Medium	High	Low
Atom	Medium	High	High	High
Visual Studio Code	High	High	High	High
Sublime Text	High	High	High	High
Notepad++	High	Medium	High	Medium

The Transition of DevOps Platforms from YAML to Low-Code UI

With many DevOps platforms offering a low-code UI, the need for extensively working with YAML is slowly fading out. 

Take Ozone, for instance. The platform already ships with over a hundred predefined task and pipeline templates. Meaning the YAML is already there for you to pick it up. Any minor changes that need to be made to the templates can be made on the platform’s UI itself. 

Here’s a snapshot of what we mean. Notice the toggle between visual and YAML for building a pipeline:

Fig 1: Ozone Pipeline Studio – Visual G.U.I-based pipeline builder

Fig 2: Ozone Pipeline Studio – YAML editor

By now, you must have understood the extent of developer time that Ozone can save from this approach. With the need for coding removed from the DevOps equation, things become pretty streamlined and efficient. Developers can now spend more time optimizing and delivering value to the users through their apps rather than spending time on code. 

So if you are tired of spending endless hours working with YAML code, look no further than Ozone. The DevOps platform eliminates the need for significant YAML editing. Say goodbye to the need for extensive YAML knowledge and hello to a more efficient and effective development process with a low-code approach. Try Ozone today and experience the benefits of a truly user-friendly DevOps platform.