YAML

What this skill does

Writes, debugs, and validates YAML that parses the same in every language and tool. Use when a file will not parse, when a value silently turns into a boolean, number, date or null (`no`, `on`, `1.0`, `0644`, `22:22`), when tabs, indentation, or a colon inside a string breaks a document, when a block scalar mangles a script or a PEM key, when anchors, aliases or `<<` merge keys do not survive a tool, when duplicate keys pick the wrong winner, when the same file loads in one parser and fails in another, when YAML has to be edited or generated in code without losing comments or key order, when untrusted YAML could execute code, or when writing Kubernetes, Helm, GitHub Actions, GitLab CI, Ansible, Compose, CloudFormation, OpenAPI or Home Assistant files. Covers yamllint, schema validation, yq, and semantic diffs. Not for JSON (`json`), TOML (`toml`), XML (`xml`), or Ansible playbook semantics (`ansible`).

YAML is part of the Developer Tools category — developer tools that help your agent write, review, debug, and ship code. You can install it on its own or alongside other developer tools skills from the OpenClaw catalog.

How to install YAML

The easiest path is via the OpenClaw Easy desktop app — one click, no terminal required:

1. Download OpenClaw Easy for macOS or Windows (free, one-click installer, ~30 seconds).
2. Open the in-app Skills panel.
3. Search for yaml and click Install.
4. The skill activates automatically when an incoming message matches its description.

Install from the command line

If you already run the OpenClaw CLI, add YAML with a single command:

openclaw skills add yaml

This pulls yaml from ClawHub and installs it into ~/.openclaw/skills/yaml/. Restart the OpenClaw gateway afterwards so the new skill is discovered.

How to use YAML

Once installed, YAML activates on its own: when an incoming message on WhatsApp, Telegram, Slack, Discord, Feishu or Line matches the skill's description, your OpenClaw agent loads it and runs the workflow. You can also trigger it explicitly by describing the task in chat. No extra configuration is required after install.

Manual install (advanced)

If you prefer manual installation:

1. Click the Download .zip button above to grab yaml-1.0.2.zip directly from our S3 mirror.
2. Unzip into ~/.openclaw/skills/yaml/ (create the directory if it does not exist).
3. Restart OpenClaw Easy (or the OpenClaw CLI gateway) so the new skill is discovered.

Frequently asked questions

How do I install YAML?

Install YAML in the OpenClaw Easy desktop app by opening the Skills panel, searching for yaml, and clicking Install. From a terminal you can run: openclaw skills add yaml. Either way the skill is placed in ~/.openclaw/skills/yaml/.

Is YAML free?

Yes. YAML is free and open-source, distributed under the Apache-2.0 license through ClawHub. No account or payment is required to download or run it.

What does YAML do?

Writes, debugs, and validates YAML that parses the same in every language and tool.

Related: more developer tools skills

If YAML looks useful, you may also want to check out other developer tools skills in the OpenClaw catalog:

• Voice UI ⬇ 2.5K
• Imap Idle Review ⬇ 2.5K
• Local Falcon ⬇ 2.5K
• Google News Api ⬇ 2.5K
• Satori ⬇ 2.5K

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