The state of config file formats: XML vs. YAML vs. JSON vs. HCL

Configuration formats have evolved over the years to meet the increasing complexity of applications and systems, with XML, JSON, YAML, and HCL being some of the most popular options today. XML, introduced in 1998, is known for its structured nature and flexibility, but newer languages like JSON, recognized formally in 2013, have gained popularity due to their simplicity and human-readability. YAML, created in 2001, offers a highly readable syntax and is a superset of JSON, while HCL is a tool-specific language designed primarily for Terraform, offering features like attributes and templates. Each format has its advantages and disadvantages, making it crucial for developers to choose the right configuration language based on specific needs and goals, especially as configuration management becomes increasingly vital in DevOps and cloud environments.