Re: A standard package for config files is needed

[Darren New <dnew@san.rr.com>]

Preben Randhol wrote:
> Of course one can use XML for something like this, but in most
> applications this would be an overkill. 

XML is generally overkill anywhere you don't have blocks of text (i.e.,
CDATA) as part of your data structures.

> We have been discussing a bit about Window registry versus .ini files,
> and have more or less agreed that the latter is the better. The reason
> is that .ini files are:
> 
>    * Platform independant (can use the exact same routines on Unix)
>    * Easier to backup
>    * Easier to have more than one version of

Be aware that using the registry has some benefits also, including (for
example) roaming profiles, where you get "your" registry regardless of which
computer you log into, notification of changes by other processes, etc.

Also, be aware that .ini files and the registry are in many senses
API-compatible.

Hence, I'd suggest perhaps considering whether it could be designed in such
a way that only the "open" routine knows whether it's the registry or a
file. (Not that you need to implement both immediately.)
 
> So what it then boils down to is for the user to supply the package with
> the propper filename depending on if she/he is using Windows, Unix or
> other.

And here I would suggest perhaps "registry subkey" would be another
appropriate bit to supply. I.e., if you give a file name, it stores it in an
.ini file, and if you give a registry subkey, it stores it in a registry
subkey.
 
> So if somebody would like to share ideas, suggestions or code it would
> be very nice.

Why not examine the .ini and registry interfaces for Windows and see if they
translate cleanly into something you could do in Ada?
 
Are you considering putting arbitrary streams into the configuration files,
or only readable text that would have to get parsed in and out manually?

-- 
Darren New 
San Diego, CA, USA (PST). Cryptokeys on demand.
** http://home.san.rr.com/dnew/DNResume.html **
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     My brain needs a "back" button so I can
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