Extract values from YAML using dot notation

Extract a nested value from YAML with a dot-separated path.

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ToolYAML Path Query
Input
Output
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Preview

How it works

YAML is parsed into JavaScript values, then a dot path is followed through own object keys and array indexes. The selected value is serialized as JSON and its type and found state are returned.

  • Dot notation matches common configuration paths.
  • A root path returns the complete document.

Worked example

Extract nested address field
Query a deeply nested value from a YAML document. Set the query option to 'user.address.city'
Input
											user:
  name: Alice
  address:
    city: Portland
    state: OR
  roles:
    - admin
    - editor
Output
												user:
  name: Alice
  address:
    city: Portland
    state: OR
  roles:
    - admin
    - editor

When to use this

Deployment manifests, Ansible variables, and static-site metadata use nested lookups.

Edge cases

  • A literal dot in a key is treated as a separator.
  • An out-of-range array index is not found.
  • A scalar before the path ends stops traversal.

References