Which format do you use for an AWS Cloud Formation Template?

The correct response is based on the fact that AWS CloudFormation templates are predominantly designed to be defined using JSON or YAML formats, with JSON being one of the more common formats utilized. JSON allows for a structured and easily readable way to define cloud resources, including their configurations, dependencies, and properties.

While AWS does support YAML, the question specifically highlights JSON, which has been widely adopted for its simplicity and ease of integration with various tools and languages used in cloud automation. This focus on JSON captures the essence of CloudFormation's intent to simplify resource management in the AWS cloud environment.

The other options—XML, CSV, and the combination of JSON and XML—are not supported as formats for CloudFormation templates. XML is an older markup language that is less commonly used in this context, and CSV is primarily suited for data representation rather than for defining infrastructure as code. Thus, JSON stands out as the correct format for AWS CloudFormation Templates.