configuration-driven programming

noun
UK /kənˌfɪɡəˈreɪʃən ˈdraɪvən ˈprəʊɡræmɪŋ/
US /kənˌfɪɡjəˈreɪʃən ˈdraɪvən ˈproʊɡræmɪŋ/

A way of making computer programs where you change settings instead of writing lots of new code.

The game uses configuration-driven programming, so players can change the rules by editing a settings file.

SYNONYMS

settings-based programmingconfig-based developmentparameter-driven codingdeclarative configuration

RELATED WORDS

configuration filemetadatadeclarative programmingsoftware frameworksettings

OTHER MEANINGS

2. A software design style where behavior is controlled by external configuration rather than hard-coded logic.

The team adopted configuration-driven programming to let customers customize workflows without code changes.

3. An approach in which data files define how a system runs, making it easier to adapt across environments.

Configuration-driven programming helped them deploy the same app to different servers with minimal edits.

4. A method of building tools where users adjust options to shape outcomes instead of rewriting source code.

Thanks to configuration-driven programming, the report generator can be tailored by editing a simple config.