Configuratiefiles

Configuratiefiles are files used to control software, operating systems, and services. They store settings such as paths, modes, feature toggles, and credentials read at startup or runtime. By separating configuration from code, they enable customization without recompiling.

Common formats include INI, JSON, YAML, TOML, XML, and Java properties. INI has sections and key=value pairs; JSON and YAML support nested data; TOML aims for readability; XML is verbose but widely used. Comments are allowed in many formats, though some omit them.

Locations vary by platform. On Unix-like systems, system-wide settings are often in /etc, while per-user configurations appear in the home directory (for example, ~/.config or dotfiles). On Windows, apps may store settings in AppData, ProgramData, or the registry. Configurational layering is common, combining defaults, environment overrides, and user overrides; changes may require a restart or trigger a live reload.

Security and maintenance considerations include avoiding hard-coded secrets in configuratiefiles, restricting filesystem permissions, and using secret management where possible. Regular validation of required keys and scheduled migrations help prevent misconfigurations.

Best practices include keeping configuration separate from source code, providing sample configurations, documenting keys, and validating configurations at startup. Environment variables are often used to override file-based settings for different deployment environments.