A configuration file is a file that is used to configure settings and parameters in various software systems and applications. There are several synonyms for configuration files that are commonly used by developers and IT professionals. Some of these include: 1. Settings file 2. Configuration data file 3. Property file 4. INI file (ini stands for "initialization") 5. Manifest file 6. Preference file 7. Options file 8. Property list file (often abbreviated as plist) 9. XML configuration file 10. Registry keys (used in Windows-based systems) Regardless of what you call them, configuration files are an important part of software development and system administration, allowing for easy customization of software settings and preferences.