Spring Boot YML vs Properties file

Spring Boot supports both YAML and properties files for configuration. YAML is a superset of properties, which means that it can do everything that properties files can do, plus more.

YAML is a human-readable data serialization format that is more concise and expressive than properties files. YAML uses indentation and whitespace to define the structure of the data, which makes it easier to read and write. YAML also supports nested data structures, which can be useful for complex configurations.

Properties files are a simpler format that is more widely supported than YAML. Properties files are simply text files that contain key-value pairs. The key and value are separated by a colon, and each line in the file represents a single key-value pair.

Which should you choose?

If you are new to Spring Boot, or if you need to support a wide range of environments, then it is generally recommended to use properties files. Properties files are more widely supported than YAML, and they are easier to understand and troubleshoot.

However, if you are comfortable with YAML, or if you need to configure complex data structures, then you can use YAML for your Spring Boot configuration. YAML is more concise and expressive than properties files, and it can make your configuration files easier to read and write.

Here are some additional things to consider when choosing between YAML and properties files:

• Tooling: There are more tools available for editing and validating YAML files than for properties files. This can be helpful if you are working on a complex configuration.
• Version control: YAML files are easier to version control than properties files. This is because YAML files are more structured and easier to parse.
• Community support: There is a larger community of developers who use YAML than there is of developers who use properties files. This means that there are more resources available to help you if you are having trouble with YAML.

Ultimately, the best way to decide which format to use is to consider your specific needs and preferences.