YAML Compare Tool
Compare YAML files with structure preservation, comment handling, and DevOps configuration focus for Kubernetes, Docker Compose, and CI/CD.
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Modified
Professional YAML comparison tool with structure-aware analysis, comment preservation, and anchor validation. YAML 1.2 compliant with specialized support for Kubernetes, Docker Compose, and CI/CD configurations.
Features
Structure-Aware YAML Comparison
Intelligent comparison that understands YAML structure, indentation, and hierarchy
Comment & Anchor Preservation
Maintain YAML comments, anchors, and aliases during comparison and merging
DevOps Configuration Focus
Optimized for Kubernetes manifests, Docker Compose, Ansible playbooks, and CI/CD configs
Indentation-Sensitive Comparison
Respects YAML indentation rules and identifies structure-breaking changes
Multi-Document Support
Handle YAML files with multiple documents separated by --- markers
Smart Array Comparison
Configurable array comparison: ordered vs unordered, element-wise analysis
YAML Validation & Linting
Real-time YAML syntax validation and best practices checking (anchors, aliases, indentation)
Export Merged YAML
Export properly formatted YAML with maintained structure and comments
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes YAML diff different from regular text comparison?
Unlike text-based diff tools, our YAML diff understands YAML structure following YAML 1.2 specification. It identifies when keys are moved, arrays are reordered, or values changed while preserving comments and anchors. Perfect for infrastructure-as-code workflows following RFC 7946 GeoJSON standards and Kubernetes object specifications.
How does it handle Kubernetes YAML manifests?
Optimized for Kubernetes manifests with multi-document YAML support (--- separators), resource definitions, and nested structures. Follows Kubernetes API conventions and K8s API design guidelines. Supports comparison of deployments, services, config maps, and custom resources with proper kubectl apply best practices.
How are YAML comments and anchors preserved?
Advanced comment and anchor preservation following YAML document structure specifications. Anchors (&) and aliases (*) are parsed according to YAML anchor specifications. Merges maintain reference integrity while tracking structural changes, supporting complex DevOps configurations with extensive documentation.
Can it compare Docker Compose configuration files?
Excellent for Docker Compose file comparison across environments (dev/staging/production). Tracks service definitions, volume mounts, network configurations, and environment variables following Docker Compose file specification. Supports Compose Spec standards and deployment configurations.
How does it handle YAML indentation and formatting?
Indentation-sensitive comparison following YAML indentation rules. Flags structure-breaking indentation changes and validates proper separation space standards. Handles multi-line scalars according to YAML literal style specifications with proper formatting preservation.
Does it support CI/CD pipeline configuration files?
Comprehensive support for CI/CD YAML configurations including GitHub Actions, GitLab CI, Azure DevOps, and Jenkins pipelines. Tracks workflow changes, job modifications, and environment variables following GitHub Actions workflow syntax, GitLab CI/CD YAML reference, and Azure DevOps YAML schema.
What YAML validation and linting features are included?
Real-time YAML syntax validation against YAML 1.2 specification with comprehensive linting. Checks anchor/alias integrity, indentation consistency, and structural validity. Includes yamllint-compatible rules and follows industry-standard linting practices for DevOps configuration files.
How does array comparison work in YAML files?
Smart array comparison with configurable modes: ordered (sequence-sensitive) and unordered (set-based) analysis. Follows YAML sequence specifications with element-wise analysis. Handles complex nested structures common in Kubernetes resource lists, Docker Compose service arrays, and CI/CD job matrices according to YAML node comparison standards.
Can I export merged YAML with proper formatting?
Export functionality maintains YAML structure, comments, and formatting according to YAML character set standards. Preserves document order, indentation consistency, and anchor relationships. Output follows YAML indicator character specifications ensuring compatibility with all YAML parsers and DevOps tools. Includes JSON compatibility for multi-format workflows.