What is config file precedence in software development?

What is config file precedence in software development?

Config file precedence refers to the order in which configuration files are read and applied in a software application. It determines which settings take effect when there are conflicting values.

Can you give me an example of how it works?

Sure! For instance, if you have a global config file and a local config file, the local file might override settings in the global file. This way, specific settings can be tailored for different environments.

What happens if there are multiple local config files?

In that case, the application will typically follow a defined order of precedence, such as reading from the most specific to the least specific. The last config file read will usually take priority.

How can I check which config file is being used?

You can often check the application's logs or use a command-line option to display the active configuration. Some frameworks also provide a way to print the current configuration settings.