Post: YAML vs JSON in PHP and ASP.NET: A Developer's Practical Guide

The Significance of YAML vs. JSON

Two of the most widely used data formats in contemporary web development are YAML and JSON.
Both facilitate the reading, sharing, and storing of structured data by your apps. However, their functions are distinct.

• JSON is easy to use, quick, and ideal for APIs.
• YAML is perfect for configuration files and is easier to read.

You will frequently encounter both if you work with PHP or ASP.NET. Let's examine how to apply them successfully in each setting.

JSON in PHP and ASP.NET

JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is the foundation of web APIs. It is lightweight, easy to read, and included in most modern languages.

Using JSON in PHP

PHP works with JSON simply using built-in functions.

Read JSON

$jsonData = file_get_contents('config.json');
$data = json_decode($jsonData, true);
echo $data['database']['host'];

Write JSON

$data = ['name' => 'Muazzam', 'role' => 'Software Engineer'];
file_put_contents('output.json', json_encode($data, JSON_PRETTY_PRINT));

When to use it

• Exchanging data between backend and frontend
• Storing API credentials or small app settings
• Handling AJAX requests

Using JSON in ASP.NET (C#)

ASP.NET Core uses JSON everywhere, especially in appsettings.json.

Read JSON

using System.Text.Json;

string json = File.ReadAllText("config.json");
var data = JsonSerializer.Deserialize>(json);
Console.WriteLine(data["AppName"]);

Write JSON

var data = new { Name = "Muazzam", Role = "Software Engineer" };
string json = JsonSerializer.Serialize(data, new JsonSerializerOptions { WriteIndented = true });
File.WriteAllText("output.json", json);

When to use it

• Web API serialization and deserialization
• Configuration through appsettings.json
• Data transfer between services

YAML in PHP and ASP.NET

YAML (YAML Ain’t Markup Language) focuses on readability.
It’s used heavily in frameworks and DevOps tools because developers can scan and edit it easily.

Using YAML in PHP

PHP doesn’t support YAML natively, but the Symfony YAML component makes it simple.

Install

composer require symfony/yaml

Read YAML

use Symfony\Component\Yaml\Yaml;

$data = Yaml::parseFile('config.yaml');
echo $data['database']['host'];

Write YAML

use Symfony\Component\Yaml\Yaml;

$data = ['name' => 'Muazzam', 'role' => 'Software Engineer'];
file_put_contents('output.yaml', Yaml::dump($data, 2, 4));

When to use it

• Symfony or Laravel configuration files
• Readable project or environment settings
• CI/CD pipeline definitions

Using YAML in ASP.NET (C#)

ASP.NET doesn’t include YAML support by default, but you can use YamlDotNet.

Install

dotnet add package YamlDotNet

Read YAML

using YamlDotNet.Serialization;
using YamlDotNet.Serialization.NamingConventions;

var yaml = File.ReadAllText("config.yaml");
var deserializer = new DeserializerBuilder()
    .WithNamingConvention(CamelCaseNamingConvention.Instance)
    .Build();

var data = deserializer.Deserialize>(yaml);
Console.WriteLine(data["database"]);

Write YAML

var serializer = new SerializerBuilder().Build();
var yaml = serializer.Serialize(new { Name = "Muazzam", Role = "Developer" });
File.WriteAllText("output.yaml", yaml);

When to use it

• Kubernetes or Docker configuration files
• Cross-platform configuration sharing
• Projects where human readability is a priority

YAML vs JSON: Which One Should You Use?

Summary

• JSON is fast, compact, and great for APIs and structured app data.

• YAML is more readable, flexible, and preferred for configuration files.

• PHP supports both easily through built-in or external libraries.

• ASP.NET integrates JSON natively and supports YAML via YamlDotNet.

Use JSON when you care about efficiency and machine readability.
Use YAML when you want clarity and human-friendly configuration.

Both formats complement each other and belong in every developer’s toolkit.