YAML Input

PHP Output

What is YAML to PHP Converter?

This tool converts YAML data structures into PHP associative arrays. YAML is widely used in configuration files for frameworks like Symfony and Laravel, while PHP arrays are the native data structure for PHP applications. This converter bridges the gap, letting you instantly generate PHP array syntax from any YAML file.

PHP's array syntax uses ['key' => 'value'] notation for associative arrays. Nested YAML structures become nested PHP arrays, lists become indexed PHP arrays, and scalar values are converted to their PHP equivalents. According to the PHP Manual, arrays are the most versatile data structure in PHP, making this conversion essential for PHP developers working with YAML configs.

This converter generates PHP associative arrays from YAML mappings. PHP types are inferred automatically: strings are quoted, numbers are unquoted, and booleans use true/false keywords.

How to Convert YAML to PHP

Follow these steps to convert your YAML data to PHP array syntax.

Paste or Upload Your YAML

Paste your YAML into the left panel, or click Upload to load a .yaml file. Click Sample for an example. Example YAML:

database:
  host: localhost
  port: 3306
  name: myapp
features:
  - logging
  - caching

Click Convert

Click the Convert button. The right panel shows the generated PHP associative array syntax with proper nesting and type conversion.

Copy or Download the PHP Code

Click Copy to copy the PHP code to clipboard, or Download to save it as a .php file. Paste it directly into your PHP application.

When You'd Use This Tool

Framework Configuration

Convert Symfony or Laravel YAML configuration files to PHP arrays when migrating to PHP-native configuration formats.

Seed Data

Convert YAML data fixtures to PHP arrays for database seeding scripts or test fixtures in PHPUnit.

API Integration

Convert YAML API response schemas to PHP array structures for building request/response handlers.

Config Migration

Migrate YAML-based application config to PHP arrays when switching from a YAML-based framework to vanilla PHP.

Frequently Asked Questions

How are YAML types mapped to PHP?

Strings become single-quoted PHP strings, numbers remain as-is, booleans become true/false, null becomes null, lists become indexed PHP arrays, and mappings become associative arrays.

Does it handle nested YAML structures?

Yes. Nested YAML mappings become nested PHP associative arrays. Deep nesting is fully supported.

Can I use the output directly in PHP?

Yes. The generated code uses PHP 5.4+ short array syntax []. You can assign it to a variable or return it from a function.

Is my YAML data sent to a server?

No. All conversion happens in your browser using JavaScript. Your YAML never leaves your device.

What about YAML anchors and aliases?

The tool uses js-yaml for parsing, which resolves YAML anchors and aliases before conversion, so the PHP output contains the fully resolved values.

Related YAML Tools

Explore other YAML conversion tools: