Initialization Files: Notes

INI files may provide information specific to the host application, or it may provide information about a library or second application to be used by the host application. For example, user settings for a word processor are frequently saved in an INI file to allow the same settings to be used on subsequent uses of the application. TMC

RP 1210A makes use of manufacturer-specific INI files to assist host applications in identifying vehicle protocol support and physical connections to the PC for manufacturer specific interface devices.

It should be noted that on Microsoft 32-bit operating systems such as Windows 95 and Windows NT, Microsoft recommends that the registry be used instead of INI files. Use of the registry eliminates several of the problems associated with INI file use, such as same-name INI files from different vendors, etc.