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yq

Agent-readyData & DBData

YAML processing, config edits, and kubernetes files from the terminal.

YAML processing, config edits, and kubernetes files from the terminal. Built by Mike Farah.

Task fit

yaml processing, config edits, and kubernetes files from the terminal.

Lane

Inspect schemas, run safe queries, and understand your data fast.

Operator brief

Use yq for yaml processing, config edits, and kubernetes files from the terminal.

Run `yq '.services.web.image' docker-compose.yml` and see what comes back.

Repository family

Mike Farah

First trust check

yq responds locally and is ready for the first real command.

Safe first loop

Install, verify, then run one real command.

Safe database loop

Install command

$ brew install yq

Operator pack

Copy or export the working notes for this CLI before handing it to an agent.

Verify

$ yq --version

yq responds locally and is ready for the first real command.

First real command

$ yq '.services.web.image' docker-compose.yml

First steps

  1. 01Install yq.
  2. 02Run `yq --version` first.
  3. 03Start with `yq '.services.web.image' docker-compose.yml`.
  4. 04Install a CLI that matches your database engine.

When to use / hold off when

Best for

yaml processing, config edits, and kubernetes files from the terminal.

Use this when

You need data processing in both local dev and CI.

Hold off when

You don't work with data processing.

Trust and constraints

trusted100/100
Install readyTrusted
JSON outputNo
Non-interactiveYes
CI-friendlyYes

Why operators pick it

  • yq fits data & db well, especially for yaml processing, config edits, and kubernetes files from the terminal.
  • 48,624 homebrew installs (30d).
  • Easy to automate.

Constraints

  • Output is mostly plain text.

Repository context

Other CLIs in this family

This is the only CLI surfaced from this family right now.

Facts and links

Install withbrew
Homebrew installs (30d)48.6K
GitHub stars15.1K
LicenseMIT
UpdatedMar 21, 2026