Literature: YAML 1.2.2 Specification

YAML (YAML Ain’t Markup Language) is a human-friendly, Unicode-based data serialization language designed for clarity and compatibility with dynamic programming languages.

Core Syntax Rules

• Indentation: Whitespace only; tabs are strictly forbidden.
• Structure: Uses a combination of Mappings (key-value), Sequences (lists), and Scalars (strings/numbers).
• Markers:
  • • ---: Signals the start of a document or directive end.
    • ...: Signals the end of a document.

Data Primitives

1. Mappings: Block style (key: value) or flow style ({key: value}).
2. Sequences: Block style (- item) or flow style ([item1, item2]).
3. Scalars: Plain, double-quoted (supports escapes), single-quoted (literal), or block style (Literal | vs. Folded >).

Frontmatter Requirements

The specification defines the standard pattern for Markdown metadata:

1. Placement: Must be at the very beginning of the file.
2. Delimiters: Must be wrapped in triple-dash --- markers.
3. Mapping: The content must be a valid YAML Mapping.
4. Encoding: UTF-8 preferred.

See Also

• yanp-for-agentic-workflows
• agent-note-conventions
• powershell-moc