> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://coldbox.ortusbooks.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://coldbox.ortusbooks.com/getting-started/configuration.md).

# Configuration

Learn how to configure ColdBox programmatically via config/ColdBox.bx (or .cfc for CFML). Understand conventions over configuration and fine-grained control settings.

In this area we will learn how to configure ColdBox programmatically via the `config/ColdBox.bx` (or `.cfc` for CFML) file. Most of the configurations in ColdBox are pre-set thanks to it's conventions over configuration approach. So the majority of settings are for fine-grained control, third-party modules and more.

{% hint style="info" %}
ColdBox relies on **conventions** instead of configurations.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="danger" %}
If you make changes to any of the main configuration files you will need to re-initialize your application for the settings to take effect.
{% endhint %}

## Re-initializing an Application

Please note that anytime you make any configuration changes or there are things in memory you wish to clear out, you will be using a URL action that will tell the ColdBox [Bootstrapper](broken://pages/-LA-UhIMOXXikIuAbDQd) to reinitialize the application. This special URL variable is called `fwreinit` and can be any value or a specific password you setup in the [ColdBox configuration directive](/reference/configuration-directives/coldbox.md).

```
// reinit with no password
index.bxm?fwreinit=1
index.cfm?fwreinit=1

// reinit with password
index.bxm?fwreinit=mypass
index.cfm?fwreinit=mypass
```

You can also use CommandBox CLI to reinit your application if you are using its embedded server:

```bash
$ coldbox reinit
```


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the following URL with the `ask` and `goal` query parameters:

```
GET https://coldbox.ortusbooks.com/getting-started/configuration.md?ask=<question>&goal=<user_goal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is what the user is ultimately trying to achieve, the reason they need the answer. Sharing it helps GitBook give you a better, more relevant answer. A goal is most helpful when it describes the outcome the user wants rather than restating the question. For example, with `ask=how do I create an API token`, a goal like `automate deployments from our CI pipeline` lets GitBook tailor the answer to that use case.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.