Question 1

Is my YAML data sent to a server for processing?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely not. This tool is built to function entirely within your browser environment using client-side JavaScript. None of your data—whether it's the root YAML or the included snippets—ever leaves your computer or passes through an external server.

Because the processing happens locally, you can use this tool to work with sensitive configuration files or private infrastructure code without risking data exposure. This provides a secure and private way to test your YAML configurations before deploying them to your actual systems.

Question 2

How does the !include resolver work without external files?

Accepted Answer

Since this tool runs in a sandboxed browser environment, it cannot access your local file system directly. Instead, it provides a 'Mock Registry' interface where you define the paths and contents of your include files, effectively simulating the file system your application expects.

When you click 'Resolve', the processor scans your main YAML input for `!include` tags and replaces them with the content you have mapped to those specific paths. This allows you to verify that your nested structure correctly merges into a valid YAML output without needing a complex backend environment.

Question 3

Does this tool support recursive or nested inclusions?

Accepted Answer

The current version supports single-level inclusions to maintain stability and performance in a client-side environment. If an included file contains its own `!include` tag, the tool will highlight this as a warning in the validation pane to prevent infinite loops or unresolved references.

We designed the validator to catch these scenarios early, providing you with actionable feedback. This approach encourages cleaner YAML architecture by helping you visualize your dependency tree and ensure that your configuration files are flat and easy to maintain.

Question 4

Can I use this tool offline?

Accepted Answer

Yes, absolutely. Because this is a single-file application, you can save the page to your local device and open it in any modern web browser even without an active internet connection. All dependencies are loaded via CDN, but if you save the file with assets, it remains a fully functional, self-contained utility.

This makes it an ideal tool for developers working in secure, air-gapped environments or those who frequently travel and need reliable tools without reliance on network connectivity. The application is lightweight, efficient, and optimized for immediate startup.

Free YAML !include Resolver & Validator Tool