Abiltiy to set configuration flags via environment variables

[rmb938]

When deploying gaia it would be nice to be able to set the configuration flags via environment variables.

For ease of development it may be useful to use a cli/configuration system like https://github.com/spf13/viper or https://github.com/alecthomas/kingpin

[michelvocks]

We also need to have a look at the configuration in general. I think we will get more configuration parameters in the future and passing in parameters will be unmanageable. 💀

Not quite sure but do you know what other big open source projects use?

[rmb938]

I typically see viper being used in other projects, it can do cli flags, env vars and config files.

I don't know if having tons of cli flags is a bad thing though. Just look at docker and kubernetes, mostly everyone is fine with having tons of flags.

[Skarlso]

So there is even a better option for going with the least impact on Gaia.

https://github.com/namsral/flag

This literally works right now if you change "flag" to this in the import section.

Once that's done you can add files and environment property options like a breeze without changing too much. What say you?

Granted it has not been maintained for a while now. :/ And the guy disappeared but we can fork a copy for gaia and maintain it if needed for ourselves.

This is just a suggestion though.

[michelvocks]

This looks actually really good. It's simple and self-explained. I think we can just use it and when we need to do modifications we fork it. What do you think @Skarlso ?

[Skarlso]

@rmb938 Implemented. Hopefully that fits the desired need, without also having a major impact code wise.

[rmb938]

Yup looks good. Thanks :D