What formats can data be encoded in while using RESTCONF?

RESTCONF is a protocol that is used for network configuration and management based on REST principles. This protocol is primarily designed to work with data models defined in YANG. When it comes to encoding data while using RESTCONF, the most widely accepted formats are XML and JSON.

XML (eXtensible Markup Language) is often used due to its ability to handle complex data structures and is well supported in many data interchange scenarios. JSON (JavaScript Object Notation), on the other hand, is simpler and more lightweight, making it a popular choice for web applications and APIs. The combination of these two formats provides flexibility for developers in representing data effectively according to the requirements of their applications.

While other formats like CSV, YAML, HTML, and Markdown can be useful in various contexts, they are not standard formats for data exchange in RESTCONF. The emphasis on XML or JSON aligns with the standards and best practices for RESTful services, ensuring interoperability and ease of integration. Thus, XML or JSON is the appropriate choice when discussing data encoding formats in RESTCONF.