Konfigurations

Konfigurations are the arrangements and parameter settings that determine how a system behaves. The term is used in German and other languages to denote configurations, often in plural form.

In information technology, a configuration refers to the collection of options, settings, and resources that define software, hardware, network, and user preferences. Configurations can be stored in files, registries, or databases, and can be loaded during startup or on demand.

Configuration management is the discipline of ensuring consistency of a system's configurations over time. It includes baselines, change control, versioning, auditing, and automated deployment. Infrastructure as Code treats configurations as code, enabling repeatable provisioning of environments.

Common configuration files use formats such as INI, YAML, JSON, and XML. Some systems expose settings through graphical interfaces, APIs, or environment variables. Mixing configurations across layers (application, runtime, OS) requires careful management to avoid conflicts.

Best practices include storing configurations separately from application logic, keeping a single source of truth, using version control, parameterizing values for different environments, and securing sensitive data with secrets management. Configuration drift and misconfiguration are common challenges.