INI File

The INI file is a standard format in configuration files. It is simply a plain text file with a basic makeup and function. It gets the most use on Microsoft Windows, though a few variations are used with other operating systems. A file using the INI format will often use extensions like .CFG, .TXT. and .CONF. The essential element of an INI file is a parameter. Each parameter has its own name and value with an equal sign to the right of it. Most implementations of the file only support a rule naming one parameter per section. A second name of a parameter is liable to cause aborting of the program or may actually override the first value. To counter this, many programs replicate parameters to include multiple values. Truly defining the INI file format is often a difficult task. Different programs will extend to features that go beyond the extensions and methods mentioned above.