Abstract: Configuring a computer-based application on one or more computer systems includes compiling a configuration source to generate a compiled configuration file. Compiling the configuration source may also include accessing an application definition that includes a property definition, where the property definition includes a name attribute and a type attribute. Compiling the configuration source may further include selecting a property source from the configuration source based on the property source having a name attribute that matches the name attribute of the property definition. The property source may also include a value, and a type check may be performed on that value based on the type attribute of the property definition. Thereafter, a configuration property may be recorded in the compiled configuration file, where the configuration property includes a name specified by the name attribute of the property definition and the value of the property source.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for automatically dividing a collection of digital photographs into subject-specific sets. Before an event at which photographs are to be taken, information identifying some or all subjects is submitted to an automated facilitator. The facilitator generates slates comprising machine-scannable tags or codes, with each identified subject having a unique slate. At the event, for each subject a first photo is taken that includes the subject's slate; any number of photos is taken afterward. The photos are uploaded to the facilitator and scanned to identify the slates. Every photo that follows a slate is associated with the corresponding subject, until another slate is identified. Subjects are provided access codes with which to access the facilitator and view their photographs, purchase copies, order merchandise, etc. Access codes may be separate from the slates, or may be human-readable forms of the machine-scannable tag within the slates.