How config file validation works
Pick YAML Validator and Formatter or TOML Validator and Formatter based on the file's syntax. Each page reports syntax errors with line and column locations. The YAML page handles multi-document streams, while the TOML page formats valid input with the layout settings you choose.
Choose a validator by file format
YAML and TOML use different syntax for keys and values, and YAML can contain multiple documents. Open the page that matches the file so the validation result uses the rules for that format.
- YAML Validator and Formatter checks YAML syntax across multi-document streams. It covers block and flow mappings and sequences, quoted, plain, and block scalars, anchors, aliases, and merge keys. For valid YAML, choose indentation, line endings, quote style, blank lines, and key order, then preview and export the result. Comments and document boundaries are preserved where possible.
- TOML Validator and Formatter checks tables, inline tables, arrays, arrays of tables, quoted and dotted keys, booleans, numbers, and dates. For valid TOML, choose indentation, spacing, blank lines, quote style, array layout, and line endings, then preview and export the result without changing any value.
What a YAML validator checks
YAML Validator and Formatter reports the exact line and column for syntax errors in mappings, sequences, quoted, plain, and block scalars, anchors, aliases, and merge keys.
It also validates multi-document streams, so one input can contain several YAML documents. When the syntax is valid, you can preview changes to indentation, line endings, quote style, blank lines, and key order before exporting the result.
What a TOML validator checks
TOML errors can occur in tables, inline tables, arrays, arrays of tables, keys, and typed values. TOML Validator and Formatter reports exact line and column locations for syntax errors in quoted and dotted keys, booleans, numbers, and dates.
Formatting applies to valid TOML. Choose indentation, spacing, blank lines, quote style, array layout, and line endings, then preview and export the result with its values unchanged.
Typical config-file checks
- Validate a YAML stream containing more than one document, then check the reported line and column for syntax errors.
- Check YAML mappings, sequences, scalars, anchors, aliases, and merge keys before previewing formatting changes.
- Validate TOML containing tables, inline tables, arrays, arrays of tables, quoted or dotted keys, booleans, numbers, or dates.
- Format valid YAML or TOML, inspect the preview, and export the result with the chosen layout rules.
When to use Config File Tools instead
Open Config File Tools when the task involves comparing, merging, converting, or extracting environment variables from YAML and TOML. Choose YAML Validator and Formatter for YAML syntax and layout rules, or TOML Validator and Formatter for TOML syntax and layout rules.
Frequently asked questions
How do I validate a config file?
Open the validator that matches the file's format, then check the syntax result and its line and column location. Use the formatter on the same page when the input is valid and you want controlled layout changes.
Is there a YAML validator for multi-document files?
YAML Validator and Formatter validates YAML multi-document streams. It also covers anchors, aliases, merge keys, mappings, sequences, and scalar styles.
Can a TOML validator format valid TOML?
TOML Validator and Formatter formats valid TOML after validation. Its options include indentation, spacing, blank lines, quote style, array layout, and line endings, and the formatter leaves values unchanged.
What is the difference between YAML and TOML validation?
YAML validation checks YAML structures and document streams. TOML validation checks TOML tables, keys, arrays, and typed values. Select the page for the syntax used by your configuration.