How to parse YAML in PHP

YAML, short for "YAML Ain't Markup Language", is a human-readable data serialization language. It's commonly used for configuration files and in applications where data is being stored or transmitted.

In PHP, parsing YAML files allows for easy handling and processing of data within such files. Consequently, this enables effective data exchange and manipulation.

How to parse YAML in PHP?

PHP provides two functions for parsing YAML documents: yaml_parse() and yaml_parse_file().

Using yaml_parse()

Yaml_parse() reads a string of YAML document(s) and converts it into PHP variables. Here is an example:

$yaml_string = "
- PHP
- YAML
- Parsing";
$result = yaml_parse($yaml_string);

Using yaml_parse_file()

Yaml_parse_file() reads a YAML file and translates it into PHP variables. Have a look at this example:

$result = yaml_parse_file('path/to/yaml/file.yaml');

The Symfony Yaml component offers advanced functionality for YAML parsing in PHP. 

Here is how to use it:

1- Install the Component

Use Composer to install the Symfony Yaml component:

composer require symfony/yaml

Parse YAML With Symfony

It is as easy as this:

use Symfony\Component\Yaml\Yaml;
$array = Yaml::parseFile('/path/to/file.yaml');