Re: Best way to store config or preferences in a multi-platform way.

On 2008-05-01 13:37, Lance Gamet wrote:

Hi, python beginner starting a new project here.

This project will store most of its actual data in a shared-database, but
I have a small amount of user specific data that I need to be stored like
configuration or preferences for example, the list of databases that the
program should connect to.

On Unix this might be a .file, on windows this could be in the registry,
or an ini file or an xml file in ProgramData or AppData or something.

Is there a pythony way to store such config data, perhaps there is
already a standard python package for such a purpose?

I don't think this is a Python question, but more a platform
question. Users on different platforms will expect configuration
data in different places. It's usually best to stick to the platform
conventions.

Python has modules available for accessing INI-files, XML-files
and also for the Windows registry, so that part is easy.

My app uses Qt, and Qt has its method of doing it (QSettings), but for
architectural reasons I don't want to use it.

Could sqlite be an option perhaps? I am still undecided if the ability
for the user to edit the file independently of the program is a good or
bad thing.

If the user is meant to change the data, then you should make this
easy for the user. Putting such data into SQLite will not satisfy that
requirement :-)

If you don't have a GUI tool for the user to change config settings,
then it's probably best to put the configuration into a file that's
easy to edit, e.g. an INI file.

Here's a nice module that supports both reading and writing
INI files:

http://www.voidspace.org.uk/python/configobj.html

--
Marc-Andre Lemburg
eGenix.com

Professional Python Services directly from the Source (#1, May 01 2008)

>>Python/Zope Consulting and Support ... http://www.egenix.com/
mxODBC.Zope.D atabase.Adapter ... http://zope.egenix.com/
mxODBC, mxDateTime, mxTextTools ... http://python.egenix.com/

_______________ _______________ _______________ _______________ ____________

:::: Try mxODBC.Zope.DA for Windows,Linux,S olaris,MacOSX for free ! ::::
eGenix.com Software, Skills and Services GmbH Pastor-Loeh-Str.48
D-40764 Langenfeld, Germany. CEO Dipl.-Math. Marc-Andre Lemburg
Registered at Amtsgericht Duesseldorf: HRB 46611

Jun 27 '08 #1

Subscribe Reply

2335

Similar topics

577

Writing in .config XML application configuration file.

by: msnews.microsoft.com | last post by:

Hi all, I was trying to find an easy way to write in the standard configuration (like app.config) xml-based files. I found classes that can be used to read this information (in System.Configuration) like the ConfigurationSettings.AppSettings property, but I was not able to find anything to write app settings in these files. Isn't this kind of "asymmetrical"? Anyone familiar with the reasons of such a lack? Thanks a lot,

.NET Framework

281

Can you use the Configuration Management Application Block for app.config files?

by: Tom | last post by:

Does anyone know if you can use the Configuration Management Application Block (CMAB) for app.config files? Or do those particular .config files need to be XML and in a specific format? Going to use the CMAB for my application preferences file (where I save the user preferences such as last screen location, size, etc) but was wondering if it also can be used for app.config files.... Thanks.

.NET Framework

908

How to store user settings in custom/user XML file - not app.confi

by: Todd Beaulieu | last post by:

Hello, I'm using the configuration block to store user settings in the app.config file. As this exe will reside on a network drive, I can't have users trying to update the master app.config file. I want each user to read/write to a file in their user directory. Does anyone know how to do this?

.NET Framework

5981

What's best way to include configuration settings with assembly?

by: MrNobody | last post by:

I was a Java developer so I'm used to using property files as a means to keep configuration settings for my apps. I'm wondering what options are there with ..NET? Some settings I want to include are like a root directory for a target program on the user's machine my app uses, which they would be prompted to supply at startup. Normally the registry is used for this but I'd rather not use the registry if possible. Isn't there some kind of...

C# / C Sharp

2415

Best way for Saving User Preferences?

by: Tom | last post by:

I am planning on adding a Preferences form to my application and using the Property Grid to display the preferences to the user. What do you think would be the best way to save these preferences out to an XML file? Use the CAB (Configuration Application Block)? Save the preferences in a class object and serialize them out the the XML file? Write them out directly to the XML file? Other ways??? Just want to get some thoughts together......

Visual Basic .NET

1723

Set value to app.config

by: ucasesoftware | last post by:

I usualy get value form app.config with System.Configuration.AppSettingsReader... and it's very easy Is there a way to Set value to app.config Here i have a solution with Next node (System.Xml.XmlDocument) but maybe so code are more clean... thx for help

Visual Basic .NET

2135

Best way to store user configuation

by: gordon | last post by:

Hi I am looking to store some details about a user's configuration choices, in particular the place where they have installed some data files, the OS that they use, and their Windows user name. This information is used in a windows C#.net application. I would like to capture this info the first time that the user opens the app, but each subsequent time to make sure that the location is current when they open the application. This is...

C# / C Sharp

7820

Best way of implementing a multi-node tree in C++? (or C#, a close cousin)

by: raylopez99 | last post by:

What's the best way of implementing a multi-node tree in C++? What I'm trying to do is traverse a tree of possible chess moves given an intial position (at the root of the tree). Since every chess position has around 30 moves, it would mean every node of the tree would have 30 branches (on average), which in turn themselves would average about 30 branches each. I can think of a variety of ways of implementing this, including a series...

C / C++

1979

Advice on the best practice please...

by: Nemisis | last post by:

Guys, I would like to write a error handler, or something, that will allow me to write to a database when an error occurs on my site. I am trying to implement this in the global.asax file a the moment, but am having problems when a 404 error occurs, i cant access sessionstate. Is writing this code in the global.asax file the best way to do this? I have been searching on the net and hear alot about httphandlers? Will a httphanlder...

ASP.NET

213

Re: Best way to store config or preferences in a multi-platform way.

by: Nick Craig-Wood | last post by:

Lance Gamet <lance@gamet.comwrote: I've found http://docs.python.org/lib/module-ConfigParser.html To be easy to use and built in. It makes human readable / editable ..ini - like files. As for where to store it, I use os.path.expanduser("~") to find the

Python

8199

Changing the language in Windows 10

by: Hystou | last post by:

Most computers default to English, but sometimes we require a different language, especially when relocating. Forgot to request a specific language before your computer shipped? No problem! You can effortlessly switch the default language on Windows 10 without reinstalling. I'll walk you through it. First, let's disable language synchronization. With a Microsoft account, language settings sync across devices. To prevent any complications,...

Windows Server

8638

Maximizing Business Potential: The Nexus of Website Design and Digital Marketing

by: jinu1996 | last post by:

In today's digital age, having a compelling online presence is paramount for businesses aiming to thrive in a competitive landscape. At the heart of this digital strategy lies an intricately woven tapestry of website design and digital marketing. It's not merely about having a website; it's about crafting an immersive digital experience that captivates audiences and drives business growth. The Art of Business Website Design Your website is...

Online Marketing

8365

The easy way to turn off automatic updates for Windows 10/11

by: Hystou | last post by:

Overview: Windows 11 and 10 have less user interface control over operating system update behaviour than previous versions of Windows. In Windows 11 and 10, there is no way to turn off the Windows Update option using the Control Panel or Settings app; it automatically checks for updates and installs any it finds, whether you like it or not. For most users, this new feature is actually very convenient. If you want to control the update process,...

Windows Server

8505

Discussion: How does Zigbee compare with other wireless protocols in smart home applications?

by: tracyyun | last post by:

Dear forum friends, With the development of smart home technology, a variety of wireless communication protocols have appeared on the market, such as Zigbee, Z-Wave, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc. Each protocol has its own unique characteristics and advantages, but as a user who is planning to build a smart home system, I am a bit confused by the choice of these technologies. I'm particularly interested in Zigbee because I've heard it does some...

General

7196

AI Job Threat for Devs

by: agi2029 | last post by:

Let's talk about the concept of autonomous AI software engineers and no-code agents. These AIs are designed to manage the entire lifecycle of a software development project—planning, coding, testing, and deployment—without human intervention. Imagine an AI that can take a project description, break it down, write the code, debug it, and then launch it, all on its own.... Now, this would greatly impact the work of software developers. The idea...

Career Advice

6125

Access Europe - Using VBA to create a class based on a table - Wed 1 May

by: isladogs | last post by:

The next Access Europe User Group meeting will be on Wednesday 1 May 2024 starting at 18:00 UK time (6PM UTC+1) and finishing by 19:30 (7.30PM). In this session, we are pleased to welcome a new presenter, Adolph Dupré who will be discussing some powerful techniques for using class modules. He will explain when you may want to use classes instead of User Defined Types (UDT). For example, to manage the data in unbound forms. Adolph will...

Microsoft Access / VBA

2626

transfer the data from one system to another through ip address

by: 6302768590 | last post by:

Hai team i want code for transfer the data from one system to another through IP address by using C# our system has to for every 5mins then we have to update the data what the data is updated we have to send another system

C# / C Sharp

1811

How to add payments to a PHP MySQL app.

by: muto222 | last post by:

How can i add a mobile payment intergratation into php mysql website.

PHP

1511

Comprehensive Guide to Website Development in Toronto: Expert Insights from BSMN Consultancy

by: bsmnconsultancy | last post by:

In today's digital era, a well-designed website is crucial for businesses looking to succeed. Whether you're a small business owner or a large corporation in Toronto, having a strong online presence can significantly impact your brand's success. BSMN Consultancy, a leader in Website Development in Toronto offers valuable insights into creating effective websites that not only look great but also perform exceptionally well. In this comprehensive...

General