Configuration

I'm collecting bits and thoughts about implementing configuration files (and other means of configuration) here.

Where to Seek Rules

Configuration is User Interface

All the rules for designing user interfaces apply.

• Discovery and exploration
• Feedback
• Minimalism – the best configuration is no configuration

Configuration is API

All the rules for designing APIs apply. In particular:

• API Versioning
• API Stability
• Use-driven design, not development-driven

Configuration is a Domain Specific Language

All the rules for designing languages apply.

Configuration is Information Artifact

All the rules for designing documents and information architecture apply. In particular:

• Cognitive Dimensions

Kinds of Configuration

• System installation (paths, libraries)
• User installation (default apps, credentials, locale)
• Workspace (instance-specific config)
• User preferences