Configuration preferences are read out of text files stored in the folder `config`. Gepard is shipped with two configuration templates: `default.gepard.cfg` for the programme itsself, and `default.database.json` for communication with a database server.
Gepard's configuration file, `default.gepard.cfg`, contains the default configuration of Gepard and can be left as it is. On the contrary, `default.database.json` is only a template that needs editing to enable uploading results to a database.
To change the default configuration of Gepard, copy `default.gepard.cfg` to `.default.gepard.cfg` (i.e. add a point character in the beginning) and edit it accordingly:
```
[Defaults]
# file path without "" !
file_path = .
```
When Gepard opens a file dialog (e.g. to create a new project or open an existing one) `file_path` is the location that it opens per default.
```
[Interface]
# possible values: SIMULATED_RAMAN_CONTROL, SIMULATED_FTIR_CONTROL, WITEC_CONTROL, RENISHAW_CONTROL, THERMO_FTIR
raman_interface = SIMULATED_RAMAN_CONTROL
```
This configures the connection of Gepard to a microscope. In modes `SIMULATED_RAMAN_CONTROL` and `SIMULATED_FTIR_CONTROL`, Gepard can be operated on any computer, regardless of the presence of a microscope. The other options require the corresponding devices to be present and configured to comunicate with Gepard.
If you plan on using one of the interfaces to control your device, please
note: You use this interface at your **OWN RISK**! Make sure, that no obstacles
block the objective and that you **UNDERSTAND** and **VALIDATE** the code that controls
the microscope! Start with "witectesting.py" or "renishawtesting.py" which should read and move within small margins.
