Config::Model is a software framework that assists in validating the semantic content of configuration data.
With Config::Model, a configuration validation tool generally consists of three parts: the user interface, the validation engine responsible for validating all information provided by the user, and the storage facility that stores the configuration information.
While you may be thinking of tools like webmin, it's essential to recognize the act that they, like most configuration validation tools, have their own set of drawbacks. Semantic validation is often performed with a script that ends up being quite complex, typically over 2500 lines of code. Furthermore, the configuration model is expressed in instructions and interspersed with processing to handle the actual configuration data.
The advantage of the Config::Model project is that it provides a validation engine where the configuration model is entirely separated from the actual processing instruction. The declaration of the configuration model utilizes a declarative form, which is simpler to maintain than a lot of code.
The declaration specifies the structure of the configuration data, the properties of each element, default values, mandatory parameters, the level of expertise for each parameter, and on-line help. In the end, this makes it easier to maintain and upgrade the configuration content, ensuring users see a consistent interface across all programs using the project. The user doesn't see advanced parameters, and auditing the configuration is possible to check what was modified by the user.
In summary, Config::Model is an essential tool for validating the semantic content of configuration data, with a declarative form that makes maintenance and evolution more comfortable while providing a common interface for all users.
Version 0.639: N/A