Some config files are structured in a format of the developer's own design. It's entirely up to the whim of the developer of the program. Surprisingly, there's no defined standard on how config files should work, or what they should look like.
While some configuration is hard coded into software, settings that you can change are included in config files. The files are structured in a particular way, formatted to be user configurable. If you want to enhance your computer knowledge you will need to know what a config file is and how to edit one.īefore we get into the technical nitty-gritty, let's first define what a configuration file is.Ĭonfig files are essentially editable text files that contain information required for the successful operation of a program. These text files configure the software and are-unsurprisingly enough-called 'config files'. Instead of menus, you must edit a text file for the software to run as you wish. It has almost become the default way we use our machines.īut some programs require you to take a step beyond that. Most of the computer programs we use-whether office suites, web browsers, even video games-are configured via menu interfaces.
