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Asked: 2024-09-23T10:38:23+05:30 In:

How can I implement block comments in YAML syntax?

I’ve been diving into YAML for a project I’m working on, and I’ve hit a bit of a snag. So, here’s the thing: I’ve been trying to figure out how to implement block comments in YAML syntax. Honestly, it feels a bit tricky, and I’m not sure if I’m just missing something obvious or what.

You know how in other programming languages, you can use something like `/* … */` for block comments? Well, I thought YAML would have something similar, but it seems like it’s not that straightforward. I mean, I’ve seen people use `#` for single-line comments, which is cool and all, but when I want to explain something more comprehensively, it just doesn’t cut it. I end up cluttering my YAML file with a ton of single-line comments, and it gets confusing.

The other day, I was looking through some YAML files on GitHub, trying to get a feel for how others handle documentation within their configs, but it seems like they’re all just doing single lines too. I even stumbled upon some forums where people suggested using the `#` sign for each line, but that just feels so clunky, you know?

I guess what I really want to know is: are there any best practices when it comes to commenting in YAML? Is there an elegant way to add a longer comment, or do I just have to stick to the single-line `#` method? If block comments aren’t supported at all, how do you all manage to keep your files readable without turning them into a comment jungle?

Would love to hear your thoughts or any creative solutions you might have come up with. Maybe you’ve worked on a project where you tackled this issue, or you’ve found a workaround that made it easier for you. Trying to keep my YAML clean and organized, but I’m feeling stuck here! Looking forward to hearing what you all do!

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    2 Answers


    1. YAML doesn’t really support block comments like other languages do, and yeah, it can be a bit of a bummer! You’re right that using `#` for comments is the way to go. While that’s great for short notes, it can definitely feel clunky when you have a lot to say.

      One thing some people do is just put multiple `#` lines together, like:

      # This is a longer comment
# that spans several lines
# but it still looks a bit messy.

      Another idea is to use a separate file for documentation if it fits your project. You could keep the YAML clean and refer to that file for detailed explanations. It keeps everything tidy and organized!

      Some folks also suggest using a specific key in your YAML document to hold longer explanations. It might look something like this:

      long_description: |
  This is a longer block of text
  that describes something significant
  in the YAML file.

      This way, you can keep your comments out of the main structure, but just be careful not to confuse any tools that might read that key!

      In the end, while it feels like a limitation, those single-line comments can still do the trick if you space them out nicely. Keeping your YAML organized is important, and it sounds like you’re on the right track by wanting to improve readability. Hang in there!


    2. In YAML, there is no support for block comments as you might find in other programming languages, such as `/* … */`. Instead, YAML strictly adheres to single-line comments using the `#` symbol. This means that when you want to add explanatory text, you will need to repeat the `#` for each line you wish to comment. While this can feel clunky and lead to a file that seems cluttered with comments, there are ways to manage this while maintaining readability. One strategy is to organize comments in sections and to use clear, concise language to describe blocks of configuration, grouping related lines logically to minimize the number of comments needed.

      Additionally, consider using external documentation in conjunction with your YAML files. You can create a README or a detailed documentation file that elaborates on the configuration’s structures and purpose without crowding the YAML itself. This approach not only keeps your YAML clean and organized but also provides a centralized location for comprehensive explanations. Another useful practice is to adopt meaningful naming conventions and well-organized data structures within your YAML, which can reduce the amount of necessary commentary. Ultimately, while YAML may not support block comments, combining concise single-line comments with structured documentation can lead to a clean and understandable configuration file.

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