Smile INI Reader

The proper functioning of every program is dictated by sets of codes, which act according to your actions. Depending on where they’re used, these codes can even be under simple formats like INI, which is a variation of the TXT file. While reading an INI file in a plain text editor can be confusing, applications like Smile INI Reader want to make elements clearly visible.

The application comes in a pretty light package and doesn’t even require installation to properly function. As a consequence, system registries remain intact, while offering the possibility to carry it with you and even use it from an USB flash drive. Just make sure .NET Framework is installed on the target PC, because it’s one of the requirements.

A compact, simple interface greets you upon launch. Several panes differentiates elements found in INI files you load, with accommodation being a walk in the park because of this simplicity. There’s also an included help manual in case you can’t quite figure out what each panel shows.

Sadly, you need to rely on the built-in browse dialog to open an INI file, because dragging it over the main window has no effect, and neither is there a special context menu option in this regard. Only one file can be opened at a time, with no view of the host directory or history of opened items.

Once the file is successfully loaded, all sections are filled in accordingly. This makes it easy for you to identify sections, objects, as well as values. Unfortunately, there’s no possibility to modify any element, not even values, unless relying on conventional methods. Your only option is the possibility to select an object, and copy its value.

Taking everything into consideration, we can say that Smile INI Reader is a practical little utility which makes analysis of code stored inside INI files a bit more comfortable. It’s a real shame there are no editing options, at least for object values.