Why I prefer human-readable file formats

2025-08-04 19:50

When I say human-readable file format, I'm referring to text-based files that can be opened, read, and understood without the need for any specific software or proprietary interface. They include formats like Markdown, JSON, YAML, INI, TOML, CSV/TSV and even fixed-width text files where the content and its structure are visible, transparent, and editable in a simple text editor. Unlike binary formats or database dumps, these files don't hide their meaning behind layers of abstraction. They're built for clarity, for resilience, and for people who like to know what's going on under the hood.

Readability without specialized tools

The most immediate advantage is the freedom from software dependencies. With human-readable formats, you're never locked out of your own data. Whether you're on a fresh Linux installation, a locked-down corporate machine, or troubleshooting a system with minimal tools, you can always inspect your configuration files, data exports, or documentation with nothing more than cat, less, or any basic text editor.

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This accessibility extends beyond emergency situations. When you're working across