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9 Essential Software Configuration Management Patterns
Govardhana M K
January 23, 2025
TechOps Examples
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🧠 Use Case
9 Essential Software Configuration Management Patterns
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🧠 USE CASE
9 Essential Software Configuration Management Patterns
Almost a decade ago, Heroku developed the Twelve-Factor App Priciples which is a great starting point for building cloud-native applications.
To keep up with the advancements in the cloud-native ecosystem, Kevin Hoffman introduced the 15-factor app in Beyond the Twelve-Factor App.
Having said that, I am still awestruck by the fact that many people do not realize there are different types of configuration patterns beyond the usual build, deployment, and environment configs.
I have created this illustration to show nine types of configuration patterns that every engineer should know.
Each configuration pattern represents a unique strategy for managing application and system behavior across different stages of its lifecycle.
Build Time Configurations
1. Build Tools Configuration
Tools like Maven or Gradle compile your source code into deployable packages.
Use this for automating builds when you want consistency in generating your application binaries.
Caution: Ensure dependency versions are locked to avoid surprises.
2. Dependency Management Configuration
Handles pulling external libraries using files like pom.xml or package.json
Perfect when you rely on shared libraries for your app.
Caution: Outdated libraries can introduce security or compatibility issues.
3. Compiler/Interpreter Configuration
Converts source code into executable files.
Use this when running apps that need specific compiler or interpreter settings.
Caution: Match compiler versions across environments to avoid compatibility issues.
Deployment Time Configurations
4. Infrastructure Configuration
Managed by tools like Terraform or CloudFormation to define cloud resources.
Ideal for provisioning infrastructure in a repeatable and consistent way.
Caution: Misconfigurations and skipping versioning can lead to tracking, security gaps or resource wastage.
5. Environment Specific Configuration
Customizes settings for staging, production, or other environments. Use this when deploying the same app to different environments.
Caution: Hardcoding environment configs can cause headaches during updates. Store sensitive environment variables securely (e.g., in Vault, AWS Secrets Manager).
6. Deployment Pipeline Configuration
Orchestrates app deployment using tools like GitLab CI/CD or Jenkins.
Perfect for automating deployments and minimizing manual steps.
Caution: Overcomplicating pipelines can lead to maintenance nightmares. Break pipeline stages wisely.
Run Time Configurations
7. Application Configuration
Passes parameters to the app for different runtime behaviors.
Use this when settings vary based on the environment or user preferences.
Caution: Avoid embedding app configs directly in code and use feature toggles for controlled rollouts.
8. Container Configuration
Manages container settings like image, ports, and resource limits.
Ideal for containerized apps running on Kubernetes or Docker Swarm.
Caution: Define resource requests and limits to prevent noisy neighbor issues.
9. Logging Configuration
Defines how apps generate and store logs, using frameworks like Log4j.
Integrate with a centralized logging solution like ELK Stack.
Caution: Excessive logging can inflate costs and clutter storage.
Remember,
Configurations impact every stage of the software lifecycle. Start by identifying the gaps in your current setup and prioritize automating repetitive tasks.
I run a DevOps and Cloud consulting agency and have helped 17+ businesses, including Stanford, Hearst Corporation, CloudTruth, and more.
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