A config.json file is a JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) file used to store configuration settings for various applications or systems. JSON was chosen for configuration files due to its lightweight data-interchange format, ease of reading by both humans and machines, and its universal support in modern programming languages. Here's a detailed look into the use and significance of config.json:
JSON was formalized by Douglas Crockford in 2001 as an alternative to XML for data interchange. Its simplicity and readability led to its adoption in various settings, including configuration files. The use of config.json became widespread with the rise of web applications, particularly those developed using JavaScript or frameworks like Node.js, where JSON is the native data format[1].
config.json file typically contains settings that control how an application behaves, such as database connection details, API keys, environment-specific configurations, or user preferences.config.json unless secured properly. Environment variables or secure storage mechanisms are often recommended for such data[2].config.json to manage different configurations for development, testing, and production environments.config.json to store user settings like resolution, control mappings, or in-game options.config.json in version control systems can be tricky since different users might have different configurations. This often leads to the use of placeholders or environment-specific files.