What does YANG stand for?

YANG stands for "Yet Another Next Generation." It is a data modeling language used to define data sent over the network by network devices. YANG was developed to work alongside protocols such as NETCONF (Network Configuration Protocol) for managing devices in a network, including routers and switches. It allows for a standardized way of defining the data structures that the devices understand, making network management more consistent and efficient.

The term "Next Generation" in YANG reflects the evolution of network management and configuration practices towards a more programmable and automated approach, aligning with modern networking paradigms like software-defined networking (SDN). This focus on next-generation technologies highlights the shift towards more intelligent networking solutions that can adapt to the rapidly changing requirements of modern enterprise environments.