The 5 levels of configuration languages
a year ago
- #data-structures
- #configuration
- #programming
- Code and data can be intertwined or separated, each with benefits.
- Five levels of power for configuration languages exist, from simple to complex.
- Level 1: String in a File - Simplest format, like key-value pairs in files.
- Level 2: A List - More expressive, like INI files, but limited to lists.
- Level 3: Nested Data Structures - Popular level with JSON, YAML, XML, etc.
- Level 4: Total Programming Languages - Compute stuff but terminate, like XSLT or Dhall.
- Level 5: Full Programming Language - Turing-complete, like Python or Lua, but can lead to complexity.
- Choosing the right level depends on simplicity and future needs; avoid debates within the same level.