YAML by Example: Nested Structures

1.2

Combine lists and maps. Create complex hierarchies.

Code

invoice: 34843
date: 2001-01-23
bill-to: &id001
  given: Chris
  family: Dumars
  address:
    lines: |
      458 Walkman Dr.
      Suite #292
    city: Royal Oak
    state: MI
    postal: 48046
ship-to: *id001
product:
  - sku: BL394D
    quantity: 4
    description: Basketball
    price: 450.00
  - sku: BL4438H
    quantity: 1
    description: Super Hoop
    price: 2392.00

Explanation

YAML handles arbitrary nesting of sequences and mappings. You can have lists of objects, objects containing lists, or any combination. Indentation defines the hierarchy, making complex data structures readable.

This example shows a typical invoice structure with nested address details and a list of product items. The anchor on billing address is aliased for shipping, demonstrating how anchors work within nested structures to avoid duplication.

Code Breakdown

6

address: starts a nested mapping. Indentation increases.

13

product: starts a list of objects.

Samplebadu

YAML by Example: Nested Structures

Code

Explanation

Code Breakdown