COMPEL Glossary / yaml
YAML
YAML (YAML Ain't Markup Language) is a human-readable data serialization format commonly used for configuration files in AI/ML pipelines, infrastructure-as-code definitions, CI/CD pipeline specifications, and deployment configurations.
What this means in practice
YAML's clean syntax and readability make it popular in the AI operations ecosystem: ML pipeline orchestration tools (like Kubeflow and MLflow), container orchestration (Kubernetes), and infrastructure provisioning (Terraform, CloudFormation) all rely heavily on YAML configuration files. For AI governance, YAML configurations are part of the technical documentation that should be version-controlled and included in audit trails, as they define critical parameters like model serving configurations, monitoring thresholds, and deployment rules that directly affect AI system behavior in production.
Why it matters
YAML configuration files define critical parameters for AI system behavior in production, including model serving configurations, monitoring thresholds, and deployment rules. Changes to YAML files can significantly affect system security, compliance posture, and operational behavior. For governance professionals, understanding that infrastructure-as-code configurations are governance-relevant artifacts prevents configuration drift from undermining AI system controls.
How COMPEL uses it
YAML configurations are part of the technical documentation included in governance audit trails within the Technology pillar. During the Produce stage, YAML files are version-controlled alongside code and model artifacts. The Process pillar's MLOps maturity assessment (Domain 7) evaluates configuration management practices. The Evaluate stage verifies that production configurations match approved governance specifications.
Related Terms
Other glossary terms mentioned in this entry's definition and context.