What is yq?
yq is a lightweight, portable command-line processor for structured data β YAML, JSON, XML, CSV, TOML and properties files β written in Go by Mike Farah. It uses jq-like syntax, so everything you know from jq transfers directly: query, transform, merge, and edit files in place, in scripts and pipelines, with a single dependency-free binary.
yq jq-wrapper found in some archives; this package supersedes it cleanly, and no python or jq is required.
apt upgrade keeps you on the latest version.
β‘ Key Features of yq
π Six Formats
YAML, JSON, XML, CSV/TSV, TOML and properties β read one, output another: yq -o=json '.' config.yaml converts in one step.
π§ jq-like Syntax
Familiar paths, pipes, functions and operators. If you can write a jq filter, you can already use yq on YAML.
βοΈ In-place Editing
yq -i '.spec.replicas = 3' deploy.yaml β scripted edits to Kubernetes manifests, CI configs and Compose files, comments preserved.
π¦ Zero Dependencies
A single static Go binary. No runtime, no libraries, no python β ideal for minimal containers and CI runners.
π Merge & Anchors
Deep-merges multiple files, resolves YAML anchors and aliases, handles multi-document streams β the hard YAML cases done right.
π Man Page Included
This package ships the full man page alongside the binary β man yq works offline, matching Debian conventions.
π Why install it with apt?
- Fleet-friendly: pin one repo in your base images and every server, container and CI runner gets the same current yq
- No curl-to-bin: a GPG-signed repository instead of downloading binaries into
/usr/local/binby hand - The right yq: guarantees mikefarah/yq v4 semantics everywhere β no surprises from the python wrapper on some machines
- Automatic updates: new upstream releases arrive with your normal
apt upgrade - Multi-arch: amd64, arm64, armhf, ppc64el, s390x and riscv64
π¦ Installation from deb.griffo.io
Step 1: Add Repository
Step 2: Install yq
π First run
π¦ Package Build Repository
The Debian packages are automatically built and maintained in this GitHub repository:
- π yq-debian - Latest release builds
π Related Packages
Also available from deb.griffo.io:
- k9s - Kubernetes TUI β pairs with yq for manifest wrangling
- lazydocker - Docker TUI for the Compose files you just edited
- just - A command runner to wrap your yq one-liners
π Support This Project
If this repository saves you time and effort, please consider supporting it!