Various programs configuration files syntax

[Someone]

Hello, i am new to FreeBSD. Have been experimenting and searching the web about my problems and editing config files for various programs such as shell, X11, sway, grimshot, you get the point. Is there a systematic way to learn about the syntax of the various programs configuration files? Their man pages and related websites help some but are not very definitive as per configuration abstractions and syntax as far as i know. Default config files are pretty useful if they are prewritten. Maybe looking at the sourcecode is the way to go? Thanks.

 

[cracauer@]

Is there a systematic way to learn about the syntax of the various programs configuration files?

No, it is all Wildwuchs.

Should all be S-expressions but alas people do not see the light.

If you can find the appropriate places in the source code it is always a good idea to read that. Best education possible. On FreeBSD it is particularly easy since you have /usr/src for the base system and you have `make patch` for ports.

 

[mer]

At least a lot of things put config in $HOME/.config Format may be different, but at least it's in a logical place.
My opinion there is really no good way to figure out "how" something is done, you need to look at every config file of interest.

 

[Erichans]

Should all be S-expressions but alas people do not see the light.

Well, perhaps that is more for people who are prone to think in terms of:
Lots of Interesting S-expressions and Parentheses.

Whereas the "non-enlightened" might be more inclined to think in terms of:
Lots of Irritating and Superfluous Parentheses.