utils/config_loader.py

import os
import json
from dotenv import load_dotenv

load_dotenv()

SETTINGS_FILE = "settings.json"

def load_settings_from_file():
    if not os.path.exists(SETTINGS_FILE):
        return {}
    try:
        with open(SETTINGS_FILE, "r") as f:
            return json.load(f)
    except Exception as e:
        print(f"Error loading settings file: {e}")
        return {}

def save_settings_to_file(settings):
    try:
        current_settings = load_settings_from_file()
        current_settings.update(settings)
        with open(SETTINGS_FILE, "w") as f:
            json.dump(current_settings, f, indent=4)
        return True
    except Exception as e:
        print(f"Error saving settings file: {e}")
        return False

def get_setting(key, default=None):
    # 1. Check file settings
    file_settings = load_settings_from_file()
    if key in file_settings and file_settings[key]:
        return file_settings[key]
    
    # 2. Check environment variables
    # We reload dotenv to check if .env has changed (though usually requires restart)
    # create_ref: but os.environ is what matters.
    val = os.getenv(key)
    if val:
        return val
        
    return default