out-yaml

name	out-yaml
description	Instructs the agent to produce output strictly in valid YAML format, ensuring no conversational filler or markdown wrappers.
license	MIT

Skill: out-yaml

Instructs the agent to produce output strictly in valid YAML format, ensuring no conversational filler, markdown wrappers (like ```yaml), or additional explanations are present.

When to Use

• When an automated downstream process strictly expects a raw YAML response to parse.
• To enforce pure structural output without the LLM adding "Here is your config:" headers.
• When generating infrastructure-as-code manifests (like Kubernetes or Ansible) inline.

When Not to Use

• If the user explicitly asks for an explanation or tutorial alongside the YAML code.
• When outputting to a Markdown file where standard ```yaml codeblocks are expected and required.
• For generating structured data where JSON is strictly preferred by the parsing tool.

Common Pitfalls

• Markdown Wrapping: The LLM outputting yaml ... despite instructions, breaking a strict parser expecting raw file content.
• Lost Comments: Instructing the agent to output strict YAML and accidentally having it strip out important explanatory comments from the original structure.
• Invalid Types: Outputting unquoted boolean strings like yes or no when a specific parser strictly expects true or false.

Core Process

1. Activate: Triggered when the goal requires YAML output.
2. Format: Format the output entirely as valid YAML.
3. Verify: Ensure no text exists outside the YAML structure.
4. Emit: Output the YAML string directly.

Core Principles

• Strict Schema Adherence: Output must be 100% valid YAML, parsable by standard YAML parsers.
• Zero Conversational Output: Absolutely no preambles, postambles, or explanatory text.
• No Markdown Formatting: Do not wrap the output in Markdown code blocks. Only emit raw YAML.

Commands / Usage Patterns

Produce raw YAML as shown below:

key: value
list:
  - item1
  - item2

Diagnostics and Troubleshooting

• If parsers fail, check for invisible characters, invalid indentation, or unescaped strings.

What to Avoid

• Including "Here is the YAML you requested:" or similar conversational text.
• Enclosing the output in Markdown backticks (e.g., ```yaml ... ```).
• Including non-YAML comment styles (e.g., //, /* */, <!-- -->) or omit comments entirely unless explicitly allowed.

Limitations

• The agent cannot validate the output against a specific schema unless one is provided.
• Only enforces syntax, not semantic correctness.