Comparison

Nano Markup vs YAML.

Nano Markup is a smaller, stricter indentation-based data format. YAML is broader and more expressive. The right choice depends on whether you want a compact data tree or a feature-rich configuration language.

At a glance

Different goals, different tradeoffs

Data modelNano Markup has strings, mappings, and sequences. YAML has many scalar types and tags.

Type inferenceNano Markup never guesses values. Applications interpret strings. YAML can infer booleans, numbers, nulls, dates, and more.

IndentationNano Markup uses exactly four spaces per level. YAML allows more flexible indentation.

Advanced featuresNano Markup omits anchors, aliases, custom tags, merges, and references. YAML includes them.

Best fitNano Markup fits simple readable data. YAML fits established tooling and complex configuration.

Same document

A profile in both formats

Nano Markup

..
    name Ariana
    languages:
        Slovak
        English
    address|
        20 Forest Street
        811 01 Bratislava

YAML

name: Ariana
languages:
  - Slovak
  - English
address: |-
  20 Forest Street
  811 01 Bratislava

Choosing

When to choose each format

Choose Nano Markup when the document should stay close to a plain data tree, when every scalar can safely remain a string, and when parser behavior should be easy to test across languages.

Choose YAML when your project already depends on YAML tooling, needs established ecosystem support, or benefits from YAML-specific features such as anchors, tags, and richer scalar interpretation.

Also compare Nano Markup with JSON and TOML, or start with the tutorial.