Multi-Layer Runtime Configuration: How to Change Your Entire UI Without Rebuilding
The Problem
Hardcoded configuration is everywhere:
Need to change the primary color? Edit the code, rebuild, redeploy. Want to test two different button styles? Duplicate code or feature flags in your CI/CD. Supporting multiple clients with different branding? Maintain separate codebases or complex build configurations.
CSS variables help with colors, but what about behavior? Feature flags? Icons? Layout preferences? The configuration lives scattered across dozens of files.
