About the Config Variable Browser

The Config Variable Browser allows you to define how specific functionality in D2L tools should operate for an organization, an org unit (such as a course), a role, or a user. A configuration variable is a specific setting for a tool or set of functionality. For example, configuration variables are used to integrate with third party software, set default user preferences, and specify storage limits.

The Config Variable Browser has a hierarchical folder structure that allows you to browse for and modify configurations by category (for example, security) or by tool or feature. You can also search for configuration variables by name or keyword within all variables, a category folder, or a tool or feature folder.

While in the Config Variable Browser, you can navigate backwards or forwards using your browser without losing your state in the Config Variable Browser when the page refreshes. You can also bookmark pages in the Config Variable Browser.

The effect of a variable depends on its scope. Variables can apply to the Brightspace system, organizations, org units, users or roles.

Note: Depending on your permissions, some configuration variables may be read-only, while others may not be visible at all. Specifying which variables are read-only and which are visible can only be done by high-level administration. If you require additional access, contact your senior site administrator or your D2L Account Manager.

Hierarchy and naming of configuration variables

Configuration variables are organized into folders and sub-folders and are available from the tree structure in the Config Variable Browser. Folders are indicated by the Folders icon, while variables are indicated by the Variable icon. When you select a variable, its properties and value display.

Figure: The Configuration Variable Browser interface

Each variable’s name reflects the hierarchy of folders in which that variable appears, as a series of prefixes separated by periods with the structure: d2l.folder.subfolder.variable. For example, the d2l.Tools.Blog.AllowExternalViewing configuration variable is in Tools > Blog, and it determines if blog entries can be viewed by individuals who are external to your D2L environment.

The following table lists all of the folders for configuration variable categories in the Configuration Variable Browser:

Configuration Folder	Use
3rd Party	Specify locations and parameters for 3rd party products.
Auth	Control external (custom) authentication mechanisms (for example, LDAP).
Folders	Specify the location of the folder where email attachments are stored.
Languages	Allow users to specify the language used across org units in D2L.
Preferences	Define preferences for newly created users in D2L.
Security	Restrict access to course offerings based on date and choose whether to display a message to users when they are locked out of their course enrolment due to date restrictions.
Settings	Control miscellaneous system-wide settings.
Tools	Control settings and configurable options for each tool in D2L (for example, Grades, Quizzes, Metadata).