What format is a playbook in Ansible typically written in?

A playbook in Ansible is typically written in YAML format, which stands for "YAML Ain't Markup Language." YAML is a human-readable data serialization format that is particularly well-suited for configuration files, making it ideal for defining playbooks in Ansible. The syntax of YAML is designed to be easy to read and write, using indentation and a straightforward structure that allows users to represent complex configurations in a more intuitive manner compared to other formats.

YAML's design simplifies the process of writing and understanding the configuration scripts used in automation. It uses key-value pairs and supports various data types, such as lists and dictionaries, which are essential for managing the complexities of deployment and automation tasks. This is why YAML is the preferred choice for Ansible playbooks—it strikes a balance between readability and functionality that aids developers and system administrators in efficiently managing their automation workflows.