Question 1

How to parse a YAML file in Elixir using yamerl?

Accepted Answer

Start the yamerl application with Application.start(:yamerl), then use :yamerl_constr.file(filename) for simple mode or add :detailed_constr option for metadata. The README provides a complete Mix example with dependency setup.

Question 2

yamerl vs fast_yaml for Erlang YAML parsing?

Accepted Answer

yamerl is pure Erlang and dependency-free, ideal for portability, while fast_yaml uses NIFs for better performance but adds native code dependencies. Choose yamerl for safety in restricted environments, fast_yaml for speed-critical applications.

Question 3

Can yamerl handle YAML anchors and aliases?

Accepted Answer

The README doesn't explicitly mention support for YAML anchors and aliases; given its focus on YAML 1.2 basics, it might lack full feature parity with more comprehensive parsers, so check the detailed documentation for edge cases.

Question 4

How to stream large JSON files with yamerl?

Accepted Answer

Use yamerl_constr:new/1 to create a parser state, feed chunks with next_chunk/2, and finalize with last_chunk/2. This incremental approach prevents memory bloat, as shown in the streaming API example.

Question 5

Does yamerl support YAML 1.2 fully?

Accepted Answer

Yes, yamerl parses YAML 1.1 and 1.2 specifications, but it's pure Erlang, so some complex features or performance optimizations might be limited compared to native implementations. Refer to the official docs for compliance details.

Question 6

yamerl or jiffy for JSON parsing in Erlang?

Accepted Answer

yamerl adds YAML support and is dependency-free, while jiffy is a NIF-based JSON parser that's faster for JSON-only tasks. Use yamerl if you need both formats or avoid native code; otherwise, jiffy for better JSON performance.

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