 <p><strong>Java has a facility built specifically for this purpose - Properties.</strong> Here is very good article about it </p> <p><a href="http://download-llnw.oracle.com/javase/tutorial/essential/environment/properties.html" rel="nofollow noreferrer">http://download-llnw.oracle.com/javase/tutorial/essential/environment/properties.html</a></p>