Design configuration with clear semantics and appropriate scope. Avoid global constants for values that can be handled locally, and ensure configuration parameters have logical, non-contradictory meanings. **Avoid unnecessary global configuration constants:** ```python # Instead of: DEFAULT_PORT = 8000 DEFAULT_INDEX = True # Global constants # Consider handling defaults in-context: def setup_server(port=8000, enable_indexing=False): # Handle defaults locally where they're used ``` **Design clear configuration interfaces:** ```python # Avoid contradictory parameters: # Bad: Indexer(perform_indexing=True, force_disable_indexing=True) # Better: Handle configuration logic at application level: if params.index and not params.force_disable: indexer = Indexer(index_json_file=path) # Use indexer else: # Skip indexing entirely ``` Configuration should be intuitive - parameters shouldn't require mental gymnastics to understand their combined effect. Keep configuration logic at the appropriate architectural level rather than pushing contradictory options down to individual components.