INI file
Also known as: .ini, INI configuration file, initialization file
An INI file (`.ini`) is a simple plain-text configuration format that stores settings as `key=value` pairs, optionally grouped under `[section]` headers. It is easy to read and edit, and is common for app and Windows settings.
- Stores settings as key=value pairs
- Groups related keys under [section] headers
- Common for Windows and app configuration
How INI files are organized
An INI file lists settings one per line as `key=value`. Related settings are grouped under bracketed `[section]` headers, and lines starting with `;` or `#` are usually treated as comments.
The format is intentionally minimal — no nesting beyond sections and no data types — which makes it readable and easy to hand-edit for program preferences and startup options.
Where you see INI files
INI files are common on Windows for application and system settings, and many cross-platform programs use them too. More structured projects often choose YAML or JSON when they need nesting and richer data.