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go-yaml

The YAML library for Go that powers Kubernetes and the cloud native ecosystem.

Overview

go-yaml is the de facto standard YAML library for the Go programming language. It powers some of the most critical infrastructure in modern technology.

Why go-yaml Matters

Powers Critical Infrastructure

go-yaml is the YAML parsing engine behind:

  • Kubernetes - Cluster configurations, pod definitions, services
  • Helm - Package management for Kubernetes
  • Kustomize - Kubernetes configuration management
  • Docker Compose - Container orchestration
  • GitHub Actions - CI/CD workflows
  • Terraform - Infrastructure-as-code configurations

Massive Scale

  • 100M+ downloads per month via Go modules
  • Used by virtually every Go application that handles YAML
  • Critical dependency for cloud native infrastructure
  • No viable alternatives in the Go ecosystem

Battle-Tested

  • Years of production use at massive scale
  • Proven reliability in mission-critical systems
  • Extensive test coverage
  • Active security maintenance

YAML LLC Maintenance

Under YAML LLC's stewardship, go-yaml receives:

Security First

  • Regular security audits
  • Rapid response to vulnerability reports
  • Clear communication about security issues
  • YES members get 48-hour early CVE notifications

Active Development

  • Bug fixes and improvements
  • Performance optimizations
  • Compatibility with YAML 1.2 specification
  • New features as the ecosystem evolves

Professional Support

  • Responsive to issues and pull requests
  • Clear roadmap and development priorities
  • Documentation improvements
  • Integration support for enterprise users

Maintenance & Accountability

go-yaml is professionally maintained by YAML LLC, led by Ingy döt Net, co-creator of YAML.

  • Security contact: security@yaml.com
  • Disclosure policy: Coordinated disclosure with advance notice to YES members
  • Release cadence: Security patches prioritized, feature releases quarterly

Need supply chain documentation for compliance? Learn about the YES Program →

Technical Details

Features

  • Full YAML 1.2 support
  • Efficient parsing and generation
  • Streaming API for large documents
  • Custom types and marshaling
  • Comprehensive error reporting

Performance

  • Optimized for speed and memory efficiency
  • Handles large YAML files effectively
  • Suitable for high-throughput applications

API

import "gopkg.in/yaml.v3"

// Unmarshal YAML to Go structs
var config Config
err := yaml.Unmarshal(data, &config)

// Marshal Go structs to YAML
out, err := yaml.Marshal(&config)

Use Cases

Kubernetes Configuration

Every kubectl command that reads YAML uses go-yaml:

apiVersion: v1
kind: Pod
metadata:
  name: nginx
spec:
  containers:
  - name: nginx
    image: nginx:1.14.2

Application Configuration

Go applications use go-yaml for configuration:

database:
  host: localhost
  port: 5432
  name: myapp

CI/CD Pipelines

GitHub Actions and other CI/CD systems:

name: Build
on: [push]
jobs:
  build:
    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
    steps:
      - uses: actions/checkout@v2

Support go-yaml

go-yaml is maintained through the YES Program. YES members get:

  • Priority support for go-yaml issues
  • Early notification of security vulnerabilities
  • Influence over roadmap and feature development
  • Direct access to maintainers

Join the YES Program →

Resources