Configuration via YAML

[mauricioaniche]

Configurations are provided to Andy via a Java file that we, as teachers, have to write. The idea of making it into a Java class is that we'd get the support of the compiler to know if something is wrong. In practice, we never write these files in an IDE. It's always in WebLab. And because of that, the verbosity of Java is cumbersome.

We should support configuration via YAML files.

Suggestion:

• If there's a YAML file provided, we use it instead of the RunConfiguration.
• We parse the YAML file (feel free to bring a library for that) and put it in a class that extends RunConfiguration
• If something is missing, throw early exception and stop the execution, so that the teacher gets notified quicky.
• Everything else should work after that, as Andy just expects an instance of RunConfiguration.

[Idkwhoami42]

Hi! I'd like to try implementing this feature. Can I be assigned to this issue?

[mauricioaniche]

Hey, @Idkwhoami42, go for it!

[Idkwhoami42]

Hi, I had a question regarding type safety of the YAML file. Should I implement proper type safety and checks (with specific errors messages).

[mauricioaniche]

Great question, @Idkwhoami42! I don't think we need a full-blown super detailed type checker, but if anything is wrong, we should stop Andy and let the teacher know. Any extra hint to identify the problem in the exception message is welcome!

[mauricioaniche]

Hi, @Idkwhoami42, are you still working on this one?

[Idkwhoami42]

Hi, Sorry for the bad communication, I was quite busy with exams and travelling.. but now I can start working on it again. I had implemented most of it before so shouldn't take that long hopefully. Sorry for the delay!

[mauricioaniche]

Awesome!!