Change root element of App.config for .net application

Question

The standard starting block for App.config looks like this:

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8" ?> 
<configuration>

Is it possible to change "configuration" to other string value like "StartingConfiguration"

Specific reason for doing so? You can have 'StartingConfiguration' as a sectionGroup. Also to be a valid XML root node is required, if you make 'StartingConfiguration' as root node and end the file with same. I don't think that's what you would want. — Nikhil Vartak
– Nikhil Vartak, Commented Mar 31, 2016 at 6:52
Actually we were thinking to use "Configuration" as tag inside another element of which "StartingConfiguration" (root element) could be the parent. — cbinder
– cbinder, Commented Mar 31, 2016 at 7:00
Of course it's possible. Whether it's advisable is another question entirely. Perhaps if you provided more context... — Ian Kemp - SO dead by AI greed
– Ian Kemp - SO dead by AI greed, Commented Mar 31, 2016 at 7:22
I am not asking if it is advisable or not. Its a requirement. — cbinder
– cbinder, Commented Mar 31, 2016 at 7:44
Have you tried this thing first? If yes and did not work then makes sense to discuss here. — Nikhil Vartak
– Nikhil Vartak, Commented Apr 1, 2016 at 6:16

Nikhil Vartak · Accepted Answer · 2016-04-01 06:29:10Z

1

It is not possible to change the root element of app.config because

The application config file is shared with CLR and Windows SxS. SxS dictates that the root element is , and it should be without namespace.

answered Apr 1, 2016 at 6:29

Nikhil Vartak

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Comments

Scott Hannen · Accepted Answer · 2016-03-31 14:12:45Z

0

No, it is not possible. Sections starting with "config" are reserved. You can't name a ConfigurationSection "configuration."

answered Mar 31, 2016 at 14:12

Scott Hannen

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