Using ConfigParser as an alternative to argparse in Python

config.txt

[Personalized]
# ------------------------------------
#    Sample Configuration 
# ------------------------------------
# Do NOT delete any line
# File is required for [name].py to function
#
# IP
IP=192.168.10.227
# max amount storage.
max_storage = 13.5
[Account]
# Enter values below or NA
account_sid = ABC123

ConfigParser_example.py

import ConfigParser
# load external configuration settings
configParser = ConfigParser.RawConfigParser()   
configFilePath = r'config.txt'
try:
   configParser.read(configFilePath)
   max_storage = float(configParser.get('Personalized', 'max_storage'))
   my_IP = configParser.get('Personalized', 'IP')
   print("Configuration settings read correctly. IP:",my_IP," Capacity: ", max_storage)
except ConfigParser.Error:
    print("Incorrect or missing config.txt file. Aborting")
    sys.exit(0)

argparse is a great option when the parameters change every time the Python code is invoked. But it is a bit complicated to program (lots of options) and not forgiving at runtime for a novice user, in particular if there are a lot of parameters required.

ConfigParser (installed via pip, for instance) uses a plain text file that most users will know how to edit.
The example above highlights how to use ConfigParser. For example to define the IP of a device or a storage limitation.

In some cases you will need both, ConfigParser for what remains mostly the same and argparse for last-minute runtime changes, for example choosing between various execution modes of the same Python script (receive, send, status, etc.)