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gyml

1 starsPython

GYML – YAML syntax, JSON semantics, zero runtime dependencies

by jeeybee·Mar 8, 2026·1 point·0 comments
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AI Analysis

●●SolidBig BrainSolve My Problem

YAML block syntax, JSON semantics—fixes Norway Problem and silent overwrites.

Strengths
  • •Strict type semantics eliminate implicit coercion bugs (NO as False, unquoted numbers)
  • •Duplicate key detection catches silent overwrites that plague production configs
  • •From-scratch parser with zero deps and precise error messages (line:col feedback)
Weaknesses
  • •Requires ecosystem migration—existing YAML tooling incompatible, adoption depends on voluntary buy-in
  • •Solves real YAML problems but doesn't compete with structured formats like Jsonnet or Dhall
Target Audience

Backend engineers, DevOps, configuration management teams avoiding YAML pitfalls

Similar To

Jsonnet · Dhall · TOML

Post Description

YAML keeps surprising people in production. The Norway Problem (`NO` parsed as `False`). Silent duplicate key overwrites. The spec has 211 grammar productions. Most of that complexity exists to support features nobody wanted in a config file.

GYML is a strict subset of YAML. Valid GYML is always valid YAML. It keeps the block indentation syntax and pairs it with JSON's type semantics: one spelling for each type, no anchors, no aliases, no tags, duplicate keys are a hard error. From-scratch parser, no runtime dependencies, fully typed Python.

https://github.com/janbjorge/gyml

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