10 SharpConfig Tips to Simplify Your .NET App SettingsSharpConfig is a lightweight, flexible configuration library for .NET that lets you store settings in an INI-like format while providing strong typing, comments, and easy manipulation at runtime. Whether you’re building a small utility or a large service, these practical tips will help you use SharpConfig effectively and keep your application settings maintainable, safe, and clear.
1. Choose a sensible file layout and naming convention
A clear file structure reduces confusion when multiple environments or modules need configuration.
- Use environment-specific files: appsettings.Development.ini, appsettings.Production.ini.
- Keep secrets out of repository — place machine-specific or secret files like appsettings.Secrets.ini in .gitignore.
- Group related settings into sections (for example, [Logging], [Database], [Email]) to mirror your application’s architecture.
2. Use typed accessors to avoid stringly-typed code
SharpConfig supports typed getters and setters which prevent runtime parsing errors and make code clearer.
Example:
var config = Configuration.LoadFromFile("appsettings.ini"); var timeout = config["Database"]["CommandTimeout"].GetValue<int>(); config["Email"]["SmtpPort"].SetValue(587); Use GetValue
3. Provide sane defaults and validate at startup
Avoid crashes due to missing values by supplying defaults and validating configuration early.
- When reading values, fall back to defaults:
int port = config["Server"]["Port"].GetValue<int>(8080); - Validate required keys on application startup; fail fast with clear error messages listing missing or invalid fields.
4. Store complex settings with objects and helper methods
For grouped configuration (e.g., database connection info), map sections to POCOs with helper methods to centralize parsing and defaults.
Example:
class DatabaseSettings { public string Host; public int Port; public string User; } DatabaseSettings LoadDb(Config.Section section) { return new DatabaseSettings { Host = section["Host"].Value ?? "localhost", Port = section["Port"].GetValue<int>(5432), User = section["User"].Value ?? "app" }; } This isolates parsing logic and makes unit testing simpler.
5. Keep secrets out of config files or encrypt them
INI files are plain text. For production, avoid storing secrets in repository or use encryption.
- Use environment variables for secrets and override settings at startup.
- Or encrypt sensitive values and decrypt in code:
string enc = config["Auth"]["ApiKey"].Value; string apiKey = Decrypt(enc);Document the secret management approach so teammates follow the same practice.
6. Use comments and metadata for clarity
SharpConfig preserves comments. Annotate sections and keys to explain purpose, acceptable ranges, and consequences of changes.
Example in file:
[Database] # Max open connections — increase only if needed. MaxPoolSize=100 Comments help operators and future maintainers understand intent quickly.
7. Merge configurations for layered environments
Support layering: load default config, then overlay environment- or machine-specific files.
var baseCfg = Configuration.LoadFromFile("appsettings.ini"); var envCfg = Configuration.LoadFromFile($"appsettings.{env}.ini"); baseCfg.Merge(envCfg); // Merge overlays values Merging preserves defaults while allowing targeted overrides.
8. Watch files for live reloads in development
For faster iteration, monitor config files and reload settings without restarting.
- Use FileSystemWatcher to detect changes.
- When reloading, validate new config before applying and consider using a swap pattern to avoid partial updates.
Be cautious in production — runtime reconfiguration can cause state inconsistencies if not handled carefully.
9. Centralize configuration access with a wrapper or provider
Instead of reading SharpConfig throughout your codebase, create a single provider or wrapper.
Benefits:
- Encapsulates how values are retrieved and converted.
- Simplifies unit tests by allowing mocks or fakes.
- Makes adding caching, change notifications, or metrics easier.
Example interface:
public interface IAppConfig { DatabaseSettings Database { get; } int ServerPort { get; } } 10. Write automated tests for configuration behavior
Test parsing, defaults, validation, and merge logic.
- Unit test mapping from config sections to POCOs.
- Test validation errors for missing or malformed values.
- Test merge/override behavior to ensure environment files correctly override defaults.
Automated tests prevent regressions when refactoring or changing defaults.
Final notes
- Treat configuration as code: keep it consistent, documented, and tested.
- Combine SharpConfig’s simplicity with sensible operational practices (secrets management, layering, validation) to reduce runtime surprises.
By applying these 10 tips you’ll make your .NET app settings easier to manage, safer in production, and friendlier for the team.
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