ConvertFrom-Yaml, ConvertTo-Yaml

[DarwinJS]

Would be great to support Yaml natively.

This was also mentioned by @fabiendibot on #3046

It would also be nice if the CMDLets had the goal of cleanly handling conversion of objects that came from XML as it seems like it would be a frequent use case. Maybe some good tests around this conversion?

[ArieHein]

We had a similar discussion from DSC aspect,
allowing us to change json based configuration files, we wanted to have options for modifying xml based files, YAML based files ,INI based files supporting RegEx swaps from within Text Manipulation cmdlets.

Lack of existing support in PS means we have to work hard to get such ability.
It has been on hold pending community contribution, but if it was baked into PS, it would make it much easier for the DSC part as well.

[lzybkr]

When you say natively, do you mean like XML or JSON?

The current thinking is that YAML should not be baked into PowerShell at all, instead it should be a separate module that you can update without picking up a new version of PowerShell.

If YAML were baked into PowerShell like XML, that would be impossible (think [xml]"b")

If we went the JSON route, you'd have cmdlets to work with YAML - so not really baked into PowerShell, but you'd still have the drawbacks of needing to update PowerShell to get YAML updates.

[joeyaiello]

@lzybkr I know we said we didn't want to bring in a new library, but I think this is something we might need to reassess. Ideally, we should also ship the module on the Gallery, but I think a TON of modern scenarios require YAML now.

Maybe not in 6.0 timeframe, but we should talk about it.

[DarwinJS]

@ArieHein - I have some simple functions that save and retrieve a hash array to the registry. Only handle REG_SZ - but for a simple set of settings it is sufficient - let me know if you want a copy.

I mispoke when I said "native" - I primarily meant "built-in" - it wouldn't bother me if they were shipped-in script modules that could be updated.

[iSazonov]

Our first discussion #2109

[DarwinJS]

@iSazonov - ah yes I see!

I noticed the reference to AWS support of YAML on the thread - I have been converting some templates and have found this to helpful: https://github.com/awslabs/aws-cfn-template-flip

[joeyaiello]

@iSazonov thanks for the pointer, I couldn't find it for some reason. Remember it well, though.

In re-reading that original thread, I think we should definitely implement the cmdlets at some point in the future, and ship them in the Gallery. Based on their quality, and people's perceived usefulness (along with some refactoring work we hope to do after 6.0.0), we can make the in-box vs. Gallery-only call.

[iSazonov]

We have Yaml in https://github.com/PowerShell/platyPS

[MattTunny]

yeah this would be awesome to have, ended up using https://github.com/awslabs/aws-cfn-template-flip to convert

[iSazonov]

@MattTunny Welcome to contribute! :-)

[josepmv]

There's a Windows Server user voice openned to vote for it :-)

https://windowsserver.uservoice.com/forums/301869-powershell/suggestions/11088495-out-of-the-box-support-for-yaml-like-csv-xml-j