10 UiPath Config File Best Practices

UiPath config files are an important part of any automation project. They are used to store settings and configuration information that can be used to customize the behavior of the automation process.

However, config files can be difficult to manage and maintain. To ensure that your config files are secure and up-to-date, it is important to follow best practices when creating and managing them. In this article, we will discuss 10 UiPath config file best practices that you should follow to ensure that your config files are secure and up-to-date.

1. Use the same version of UiPath Studio for all projects

Using the same version of UiPath Studio ensures that all projects are using the same set of features and settings. This helps to ensure consistency across projects, which is important for maintaining a high level of quality in your automation solutions. Additionally, it makes it easier to troubleshoot any issues that may arise since you know exactly what version of UiPath Studio was used for each project.

2. Separate your config file from the project folder

When you keep your config file in the same folder as your project, it can be difficult to manage and update. It’s also more vulnerable to accidental changes or deletions. By keeping your config file separate from the project folder, you can easily make updates without affecting the project itself.

You should also consider using version control for your config files. This will allow you to track any changes that are made over time, so you can quickly revert back to a previous version if needed.

3. Don’t use a Config File in Production

Config Files are meant to be used for development and testing purposes only. They contain sensitive information such as passwords, API keys, and other credentials that should not be exposed in a production environment.

If you need to store configuration data in production, use an encrypted file or database instead. This will ensure the security of your data and prevent any unauthorized access. Additionally, it’s important to keep your Config File up-to-date with the latest changes so that your automation processes run smoothly.

4. Keep sensitive data out of the config file

UiPath config files are stored in plain text, which means that anyone with access to the file can view and potentially modify its contents. This includes passwords, API keys, and other sensitive information.

To protect this data, it’s best practice to store any sensitive information outside of the UiPath config file. This could be done by storing the data in an encrypted database or using a secure third-party service like AWS Secrets Manager. By keeping your sensitive data out of the config file, you can ensure that only authorized personnel have access to it.

5. Use environment variables to store sensitive information

Environment variables are stored outside of the config file, so they can’t be accessed by anyone who doesn’t have access to the environment. This makes it much more difficult for malicious actors to gain access to sensitive information.

Additionally, using environment variables allows you to easily update and change values without having to manually edit the config file each time. This is especially useful when dealing with multiple environments or versions of your application.

Finally, environment variables make it easier to keep track of changes over time. By storing all of your configuration settings in one place, you can quickly see what has changed between different versions of your application.

6. Avoid hardcoding values in Activities

Hardcoding values in Activities can make it difficult to maintain and update the config file. It also makes it harder for other developers to understand what is happening in the code, as they won’t be able to see where the value is coming from.

Instead of hardcoding values, use variables or parameters that are set in the config file. This will allow you to easily change the value without having to go through each Activity and manually changing it. Additionally, this will help keep your code organized and easier to read.

7. Set up environments with different config files

Having different config files for each environment allows you to easily switch between them when needed. This is especially useful if you have multiple environments, such as development, staging, and production. By having separate config files for each environment, you can quickly make changes in one environment without affecting the others.

Additionally, it’s a good idea to keep your config files organized by using descriptive names that clearly indicate which environment they are associated with. This will help ensure that everyone on your team knows which config file to use for each environment.

8. Use one config file per process

Having one config file per process allows you to easily manage and maintain your UiPath processes. It also makes it easier for other developers to understand the configuration of a particular process, as all the settings are in one place. Additionally, having multiple config files can lead to confusion when trying to debug or troubleshoot an issue.

Finally, using one config file per process helps ensure that any changes made to the configuration will be applied consistently across all instances of the process. This is especially important if you have multiple environments (e.g., development, staging, production) where different configurations may need to be used.

9. Create a master config file

A master config file allows you to store all of your configuration settings in one place, making it easier to manage and maintain. This also makes it easier for other developers to understand the structure of your project and make changes if needed.

The master config file should include all of the necessary information about your UiPath environment, such as connection strings, credentials, and any other settings that need to be configured. It’s important to keep this file up-to-date so that everyone is working with the same version of the config file. Additionally, you should use a source control system like Git or SVN to track changes to the config file over time.

10. Use an external source to manage configuration settings

Using an external source to manage configuration settings allows you to keep your config file separate from the code. This makes it easier to maintain and update, as well as reducing the risk of accidentally overwriting or corrupting the config file when making changes to the code. It also helps ensure that any changes made to the config file are tracked and can be rolled back if necessary. Additionally, using an external source for configuration settings allows you to easily share configurations across multiple projects.