configuration value consistency

Ensure configuration values follow consistent formats, use meaningful defaults, and accurately distinguish between required and optional fields across all documentation.

Configuration inconsistencies can lead to user confusion and deployment failures. This standard addresses several critical areas:

Format Consistency:

• Time durations should include units: deadPeriod: 2d not deadPeriod: 2
• Environment variables should use proper syntax: TRAEFIK_LOG_LEVEL="INFO" not TRAEFIK_LOG_LEVEL=INFO
• CLI arguments should be properly quoted: --providers.ecs.constraints="Label(\key`,`value`)” not –providers.ecs.constraints=Label(`key`,`value`)`

Default Value Accuracy:

• Avoid “N/A” or meaningless defaults in configuration tables
• Mark options as “Required” only when no meaningful default exists
• Use empty strings "" for truly optional string fields
• Document when default values are environment-specific (e.g., 127.0.0.1:2379 for local testing only)

Provider-Specific Differences:

• Clearly document when Kubernetes CRD providers use different field names (e.g., secret instead of users for authentication)
• Include provider-specific examples for cross-provider configurations
• Note when certain options don’t apply to specific providers

Example of proper configuration documentation:

| Field | Description | Default | Required |
|-------|-------------|---------|----------|
| `redis.endpoints` | Redis server endpoints | `""` | Yes |
| `redis.db` | Database number | `0` | No |
| `redis.tls.insecureSkipVerify` | Skip TLS verification | `false` | No |

This approach prevents configuration errors and provides clear guidance for users across different deployment scenarios.