What format does a RAML file use to specify API documentation?

A RAML (RESTful API Modeling Language) file is designed to provide a clear and structured format for documenting RESTful APIs, and it utilizes YAML (YAML Ain't Markup Language) as its format. YAML is particularly chosen for RAML because it is human-readable, making it easier for developers to write and understand API specifications without getting bogged down in the syntactical details often associated with other formats.

Within a RAML file, developers can define endpoints, methods, data types, and other components of the API in a concise and organized manner. The use of indentation in YAML helps to represent the hierarchical nature of API structures intuitively. This readability and structured format contribute to more effective communication among team members and stakeholders who interact with the API documentation.

In contrast, other formats like XML and JSON, while also used for data interchange and documentation, do not offer the same level of readability and simplicity as YAML in the context of RAML specifications.