yq

Query, filter, and transform YAML data using Mike Farah yq v4+ expressions.

1|Updated Apr 14, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/hschne/pi-stuff --skill yq-hschne
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: yq
Source: https://github.com/hschne/pi-stuff/tree/main/skills/yq
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/hschne/pi-stuff --skill yq-hschne

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Manually editing, parsing, or validating YAML files for Kubernetes manifests, GitHub Actions workflows, Helm values, and other configuration files is slow and error-prone, especially when working with nested structures or multi-document YAML.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • YAML Querying & Filtering: Extract nested fields, filter arrays, and select specific documents from single or multi-document YAML files.
  • In-Place YAML Editing: Update, add, or delete fields directly in YAML files without manual editing, ideal for modifying Kubernetes deployments or Helm values.
  • Format Conversion: Seamlessly convert YAML to JSON for use with tools like jq, or parse JSON input with yq.
  • Use Case: For a Kubernetes deployment, use this skill to quickly update the container image tag across all environment manifests without manual edits.

Quick Start

Use the yq skill to extract all container image names from the attached Kubernetes deployment file 'deployment.yaml'.

Frequently Asked Questions about yq

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I update a container image tag across multiple Kubernetes manifests?

To update container image tags across Kubernetes manifests, you can filter and edit nested YAML fields in-place. This approach automates configuration management by applying jq-like expressions to modify deployment files without manual text editing.

What is the best way to extract specific fields from a multi-document YAML file?

Extracting specific fields from multi-document YAML files requires querying and filtering nested data structures. Using a jq-like expression engine allows you to select specific documents and extract values accurately from complex configuration files.

Can I convert YAML to JSON for processing with jq?

Yes, you can convert YAML to JSON for processing with jq or parse JSON input directly. Format conversion allows seamless integration between YAML configuration files and JSON-based data pipelines, bridging DevOps and automation workflows.

Do I need to install any command-line tools to query and filter YAML data?

Yes, you need the Mike Farah yq v4+ command-line tool installed to execute queries and filter YAML data. This dependency provides the underlying jq-like expression engine required for parsing and modifying configuration files.

How does processing Helm values with a command-line YAML parser compare to manual editing?

Processing Helm values with a command-line YAML parser automates data transformation and eliminates the error-prone nature of manual editing. It accurately targets nested structures for updates or deletions, ensuring reliable configuration management across environments.

Why does manually editing nested GitHub Actions workflow YAML files often fail?

Manually editing nested GitHub Actions workflow YAML files fails due to indentation errors and complex multi-document structures. Automated querying and in-place editing mitigate these risks by directly targeting specific fields for accurate data transformation.