Post #3377970
2026-04-25 21:19 UTC
I should say this out loud: a program's configuration files and configuration file format is part of its user interface. Much like other user interfaces, you cannot necessarily use a generic 'UI' for your configuration files without inflicting pain on people operating your software.
Yes, this means that sometimes you have to design and build your own configuration file format, much like you may have to build other UIs for your program.
Replies (1)
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@pjacock@fediscience.org 2026-04-25 21:24
@cks@mastodon.social and just like breaking UI conventions can be justified in exceptional cases, you should start with standard conventions for user facing configuration files (eg INI files)? KISS, principle of least surprise, etc.