Data Formats
data
formats
configuration
What is INI File?
Definition
An INI file is a simple configuration format using sections in square brackets [section] and key=value pairs. It was popularized by Windows but is used in many tools: php.ini, .gitconfig, .editorconfig, and Python's configparser module.
Why It Matters
INI files are the simplest configuration format. While YAML and TOML have largely replaced them for new projects, INI is still used in legacy systems, Git configuration, and tools that need minimal configuration without complex nesting.