title: Ruby on Rails - Storing application configuration
body: <p>I have a relatively simple Rails app and I would like to store various configuration settings that administrator users can change whilst the application is running, for example, allowing comments on posts or changing the display format of the date.</p>
  
  <p>I know I can store constants etc in the environment.rb file, however these appear to be loaded only when the server is restarted.</p>
  
  <p>Is there an alternative place I can define this information or would it be better to keep it in the database?</p>
  
  <p>Any advice appreciated.</p>
  
  <p>Thanks.</p>