# YAML Configuration 1 Use Consistent Indentation

> Sub-skill of yaml-configuration: 1. Use Consistent Indentation (+4).

- Skill: `vamseeachanta/yaml-configuration-1-use-consistent-indentation` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add vamseeachanta/yaml-configuration-1-use-consistent-indentation`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/vamseeachanta/yaml-configuration-1-use-consistent-indentation/raw
- Safety review: PASS (external: skill-scanner PASS, skillspector PASS)
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: vamseeachanta (https://skillmd.com/u/vamseeachanta)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/vamseeachanta/yaml-configuration-1-use-consistent-indentation

---


# 1. Use Consistent Indentation (+4)

## 1. Use Consistent Indentation

```yaml
# ✅ Good: 2 spaces
vessel:
  dimensions:
    length: 320
    beam: 58

# ❌ Bad: Mixed indentation
vessel:
   dimensions:
     length: 320
   beam: 58
```


## 2. Quote Strings When Needed

```yaml
# Quote strings that could be interpreted as numbers or booleans
name: "12345"  # Without quotes, would be number
flag: "true"   # Without quotes, would be boolean

# Quote strings with special characters
description: "Wave height: 8.5m"
```


## 3. Use Anchors for Reusability

```yaml
# Define common material
steel: &steel
  density: 7850
  E: 200e9

# Reuse
chain_material: *steel
pipe_material: *steel
```


## 4. Add Comments for Clarity

```yaml
environment:
  water_depth: 1500  # meters, site-specific
  wave:
    Hs: 8.5  # 100-year return period
    Tp: 12.0  # Associated peak period
```


## 5. Organize Logically

```yaml
# Group related items
analysis:
  # ... analysis settings

environment:
  # ... environmental parameters

vessel:
  # ... vessel properties

mooring:
  # ... mooring system
```