# How to Use Config at Work: English for Engineers (2026)

> Short form of configuration; the settings or parameters that control how a software application, system, or service operates.

- **Term:** config
- **Part of speech:** noun
- **Pronunciation:** /kənˈfɪɡ/
- **English level (CEFR):** B2
- **Register:** Casual, Both
- **Region:** US and UK
- **Topic:** [Tech jargon](https://app.speaktechenglish.com/learn/topics/tech-jargon.md)
- **Lesson:** https://app.speaktechenglish.com/learn/config
- **Last updated:** 2026-10-27

## Meaning

Short form of configuration; the settings or parameters that control how a software application, system, or service operates. Configurations determine behavior without changing code.

In tech workplaces, config refers to the collection of settings that define how a system runs. This could include database connection strings, API keys, feature flags, or environment variables. Engineers use configs to change application behavior across different environments (development, staging, production) without rewriting code. For example, you might have a config file that specifies which database to connect to, what logging level to use, or which features should be enabled. Configs make systems flexible and allow teams to deploy the same code to different environments with different behaviors. The term is used casually in daily conversations, code reviews, and documentation.

## When you hear it

Before deploying to production, we need to review the config file to ensure all environment variables are correct.

## Examples

- **in a standup:** "I spent this morning debugging why the API timeout was too short, so I adjusted the config."
- **in a code review:** "Instead of hardcoding this URL, we should move it to the config file so it changes per environment."
- **in a team meeting:** "Before we go live, DevOps needs to validate the production config with the database team."

## What native speakers say

- "We need to update the config"
- "Check the config file"
- "Push this to config management"

## Common mistakes

- ✗ "We configured the system yesterday." → ✓ "We set up the config yesterday." (Use configure or set up for the action; use config as a noun for the settings themselves.)
- ✗ "The config is very difficulty to understand." → ✓ "The config is very difficult to understand." (Spelling error; the correct adverb is difficult, not difficulty.)
- ✗ "I need to config this value." → ✓ "I need to change this config value." (Config is typically a noun; use configure or change when describing the action.)

## Be careful

Config is a shortened form of configuration and should not be used in highly formal documentation. Do not confuse with the verb configure, which means to set up.

## Word forms

| Part of speech | Word | Example |
| --- | --- | --- |
| noun | config | The database config is stored in environment variables. |
| noun | configuration | The full configuration is defined in the YAML file. |
| verb | configure | We need to configure the server before launching. |


## Collocations

- **config file**: A file containing configuration settings, commonly seen in phrases like config.yml or config.json
- **config management**: The practice of managing configs across systems and environments
- **update the config**: To modify settings in a configuration
- **config value**: An individual setting or parameter within a config
- **load config**: To read or activate a configuration when an application starts

## Synonyms

- **configuration**: The formal, full version of config; used in more formal documentation
- **settings**: A more general term; config is more specific to technical systems
- **parameters**: Individual values passed to a system; config is a collection of parameters

## Practice

This lesson has 4 practice exercises with instant feedback on the page: https://app.speaktechenglish.com/learn/config

## FAQ

### What does config mean in software engineering?

Config is short for configuration and refers to the set of parameters and settings that control how a software system operates. It includes things like database connections, API endpoints, feature flags, and logging levels. Configs allow you to change system behavior without modifying the source code.

### How do you use config in a sentence at work?

You can use it as a noun in sentences like: 'Check the config file before deploying,' 'We need to update the production config,' or 'The config includes all database settings.' It is commonly used in casual conversation among engineers.

### Is config formal or informal?

Config is informal and casual. It is widely used in everyday tech conversations, code reviews, and Slack messages. In formal documentation, you may see the full word configuration used instead, but config is perfectly acceptable in most professional tech settings.

### What is the difference between config and configure?

Config is a noun referring to the settings themselves (e.g., 'Update the config'). Configure is a verb meaning to set up or adjust (e.g., 'Configure the server'). You configure a system by adjusting its config.

### Where are configs typically stored?

Configs are typically stored in files (like YAML, JSON, or .env files), in environment variables, in databases, or in external configuration management tools. The storage method depends on the application and team practices.


## Related

- [environment variable](https://app.speaktechenglish.com/learn/environment-variable.md)
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