INIFormat

INIFormat refers to a simple configuration file format. These files are commonly used to store application settings and parameters. The structure of an INI file is characterized by sections and key-value pairs.

Sections are denoted by names enclosed in square brackets, for example, [SectionName]. Within each section, configuration options are defined as key-value pairs, typically separated by an equals sign or a colon, such as Key=Value or Key:Value. Keys are case-sensitive in most implementations.

Comments in INI files usually start with a semicolon (;) or a hash symbol (#). Lines beginning with these characters are ignored by parsers. The INI format is widely supported by various programming languages and operating systems, making it a convenient choice for configuration management.

While simple and human-readable, INIFormat lacks advanced features like data typing, complex structures, or hierarchical organization found in formats like XML or JSON. Its straightforward nature makes it ideal for basic configuration needs where simplicity and ease of editing are prioritized. Many applications utilize INI files for storing preferences, database connection strings, and other runtime parameters.