A standard package for config files is needed

[Preben Randhol <randhol+abuse@pvv.org>]

On the GtkAda list there has been some discussion on making a standard
package for reading/writing configuration files. As most programs need
this it would be very nice with a small, platform independant, robust
but easy to use package.

Of course one can use XML for something like this, but in most
applications this would be an overkill. Besides a program shouldn't have to be
tie in with XMLAda just because of the configuration files. This package
should be nice for small applications made by student, hobbyists or
professionals.

So I hope now to kick off a discussion around this. 

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

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.

If Windows registry is needed it would best be developed as a seperate
package I think, as this would not be useful on other platforms.

Then there is the issue of the layout of the config file. Either one
could do:

[Program]
Name=SuperDuperApp
Version=1.0

[Directory]
Help=/usr/doc/SuperDuperApp/
Graphics=/usr/share/pixmaps/SuperDuperApp/

etc...

or

Program.Name=SuperDuperApp
Program.Version=1.0
Directory.Help=/usr/doc/SuperDuperApp/
Directory.Graphics=/usr/share/pixmaps/SuperDuperApp

etc...

So if somebody would like to share ideas, suggestions or code it would
be very nice.

I think this is a package that should be kept as simple as possible and
easy to use and robust.

Preben Randhol