What is the best way to serialize Delphi application configuration?

Question

I will answer this question myself, but feel free to provide your answers if you are faster than me or if you don\'t like my solution. I just came up with this idea and would li

Answer 1

I use XML for all my application as means of configuration. It is:

• flexible
• future feature proof
• easy to read with any text reader
• very easy to extend in application. No class modifications needed

I have an XML library that makes it extremely easy to read or modify configuration, without even having to watch for missing values. Now you can also map the XML to a class inside application for faster access if speed is the issue, or certain values are read constantly.

I find other configuration methods far less optional:

• Ini file: no in depth structure, far less flexible
• registry: just keep away from that.