configorama 0.9.13 → 0.9.14

package/README.md

@@ -1,102 +1,205 @@
 # Configorama
 
-Dynamic configuration values with variable support.
+Dynamic configuration values with variable support for yml, json, toml, hcl (Terraform), and other config formats.
 
-Works with `yml`, `json`, `toml`, `hcl` (Terraform), and other config formats. Supports any format that can be parsed to a plain JavaScript object
+Configorama extends your configuration with a powerful variable system that resolves values from CLI options, environment variables, file references, TypeScript/JavaScript files, git data, self-references, conditional expressions, and any custom source you define.
 
-## About
+## Key Features
 
-Configorama extends your configuration with a powerful variable system. It resolves configuration variables from:
-
-- CLI options
-- ENV variables
-- File references
-- TypeScript file references
-- Self references (other keys/values in config)
-- Git references
-- Cron values
-- Eval expressions
-- If/conditional expressions
-- Async/sync JS functions
-- Filters (experimental)
-- Functions (experimental)
-- Any source you'd like...
-
-See [tests](https://github.com/DavidWells/configorama/tree/master/tests) for more examples.
+- **Multiple file formats** - yml, yaml, json, toml, ini, hcl (Terraform), TypeScript, JavaScript, markdown
+- **Rich variable sources** - env vars, CLI flags, file refs, git data, cron expressions, eval/if expressions
+- **Async/sync function execution** - Import and execute JavaScript/TypeScript files with argument passing
+- **Self-referencing** - Reference other values within the same config using dot notation
+- **Custom variable sources** - Pluggable architecture to add your own variable resolvers
+- **Filters and functions** - Transform and combine values with built-in or custom operators
+- **Metadata extraction** - Analyze configs without resolving them, or get full resolution history
+- **Circular dependency detection** - Helpful error messages instead of infinite loops
+- **TypeScript support** - Full type definitions and TypeScript file execution via tsx/ts-node
 
 ## Table of Contents
+
 <!-- doc-gen {TOC} collapse=true collapseText="Click to expand" -->
 <details>
 <summary>Click to expand</summary>
 
-- [About](#about)
-- [Usage](#usage)
-- [How it works](#how-it-works)
+- [Getting Started](#getting-started)
+  - [Installation](#installation)
+  - [Quick Start](#quick-start)
+  - [Running Examples](#running-examples)
+- [How It Works](#how-it-works)
+  - [Resolution Flow](#resolution-flow)
+  - [Analyzing Without Resolving](#analyzing-without-resolving)
+  - [Getting Metadata](#getting-metadata)
 - [Variable Sources](#variable-sources)
-  - [Environment variables](#environment-variables)
-  - [CLI option flags](#cli-option-flags)
-  - [Parameter values](#parameter-values)
-  - [Self references](#self-references)
-  - [File references](#file-references)
-  - [Sync/Async file references](#syncasync-file-references)
-    - [Passing arguments to functions](#passing-arguments-to-functions)
-    - [ConfigContext](#configcontext)
-    - [Functions without arguments](#functions-without-arguments)
-  - [TypeScript file references](#typescript-file-references)
-  - [Git references](#git-references)
+  - [Environment Variables](#environment-variables)
+  - [CLI Option Flags](#cli-option-flags)
+  - [Parameter Values](#parameter-values)
+  - [Self References](#self-references)
+  - [File References](#file-references)
+  - [Sync/Async File References](#syncasync-file-references)
+  - [TypeScript File References](#typescript-file-references)
+  - [Terraform HCL Support](#terraform-hcl-support)
+  - [Git References](#git-references)
   - [Cron Values](#cron-values)
-  - [Eval expressions](#eval-expressions)
-  - [If expressions](#if-expressions)
-  - [Filters (experimental)](#filters-experimental)
-  - [Functions (experimental)](#functions-experimental)
-  - [More Examples](#more-examples)
-- [Custom Variable Sources](#custom-variable-sources)
-  - [Variable Source Types](#variable-source-types)
-- [Options](#options)
+  - [Eval Expressions](#eval-expressions)
+  - [If Expressions](#if-expressions)
+  - [Filters (Experimental)](#filters-experimental)
+  - [Functions (Experimental)](#functions-experimental)
+- [API Reference](#api-reference)
+  - [Async API](#async-api)
+  - [Sync API](#sync-api)
+  - [Analyze API](#analyze-api)
+  - [Format Utilities](#format-utilities)
+- [Configuration Options](#configuration-options)
   - [Custom Variable Syntax](#custom-variable-syntax)
   - [allowUnknownVariableTypes](#allowunknownvariabletypes)
   - [allowUnresolvedVariables](#allowunresolvedvariables)
+  - [Complete Options Reference](#complete-options-reference)
+- [Custom Variable Sources](#custom-variable-sources)
+  - [Variable Source Types](#variable-source-types)
+  - [Creating a Custom Resolver](#creating-a-custom-resolver)
+- [CLI Usage](#cli-usage)
+  - [Basic Commands](#basic-commands)
+  - [Command Options](#command-options)
+  - [Examples](#cli-examples)
+- [Testing](#testing)
+  - [Running Tests](#running-tests)
+  - [Test Structure](#test-structure)
+  - [Writing Tests](#writing-tests)
+- [Deployment](#deployment)
+  - [Using with Serverless Framework](#using-with-serverless-framework)
+  - [Docker Deployment](#docker-deployment)
+  - [CI/CD Integration](#cicd-integration)
+- [Troubleshooting](#troubleshooting)
+  - [Common Issues](#common-issues)
+  - [Debug Mode](#debug-mode)
+  - [Circular Dependencies](#circular-dependencies)
 - [FAQ](#faq)
-- [Whats new](#whats-new)
-- [Alt libs](#alt-libs)
+- [Advanced Usage](#advanced-usage)
+  - [Multi-Stage Resolution](#multi-stage-resolution)
+  - [Function Arguments and Context](#function-arguments-and-context)
+  - [Programmatic Usage](#programmatic-usage)
+- [What's New](#whats-new)
+- [Alternative Libraries](#alternative-libraries)
 - [Inspiration](#inspiration)
 
 </details>
 <!-- end-doc-gen -->
 
-## Usage
+---
+
+## Getting Started
+
+### Installation
+
+**As a library dependency:**
+
+```bash
+npm install configorama
+```
+
+**As a global CLI tool:**
+
+```bash
+npm install -g configorama
+```
+
+### Quick Start
 
-Async API:
+**Async API (recommended for most use cases):**
 
-```js
+```javascript
 const path = require('path')
 const configorama = require('configorama')
 const cliFlags = require('minimist')(process.argv.slice(2))
 
 // Path to yaml/json/toml config
 const myConfigFilePath = path.join(__dirname, 'config.yml')
-// Execute config resolution asyncronously
+
+// Execute config resolution asynchronously
 const config = await configorama(myConfigFilePath, { options: cliFlags })
+
 console.log(config) // resolved config
 ```
 
-Sync API:
+**Sync API (for synchronous execution contexts):**
 
-```js
+```javascript
 const path = require('path')
 const configorama = require('configorama')
 const cliFlags = require('minimist')(process.argv.slice(2))
 
 // Path to yaml/json/toml config
 const myConfigFilePath = path.join(__dirname, 'config.yml')
-// Execute config resolution syncronously
+
+// Execute config resolution synchronously
 const config = configorama.sync(myConfigFilePath, { options: cliFlags })
+
 console.log(config) // resolved config
 ```
 
-## How it works
+**Example configuration file (`config.yml`):**
+
+```yaml
+# Environment variable
+apiKey: ${env:API_KEY}
+
+# CLI option (e.g., --stage prod)
+environment: ${opt:stage, 'dev'}
+
+# Self-reference to other values
+service: my-app
+fullName: ${service}-api
+
+# File reference
+secrets: ${file(./secrets.yml)}
+
+# Git information
+branch: ${git:branch}
+commit: ${git:sha1}
+
+# Conditional logic
+memorySize: ${if(${environment} === 'prod' ? 1024 : 512)}
+
+# Nested references
+database:
+  host: ${env:DB_HOST, 'localhost'}
+  port: ${env:DB_PORT, 5432}
+  name: ${service}-${environment}
+```
+
+### Running Examples
 
-Configorama creates a graph of your config file and all its dependencies, then it resolves the value based on it's variable sources. If `returnMetadata` option is set, you can see the entire graph and all file dependencies.
+The project includes example files demonstrating various features:
+
+```bash
+# Clone the repository
+git clone https://github.com/DavidWells/configorama
+cd configorama
+
+# Install dependencies
+npm install
+
+# Run async API example
+node examples/using-async-api.js --stage prod
+
+# Run sync API example
+node examples/using-sync-api.js --stage dev
+
+# Run zero-config example
+node examples/zero-config.js
+
+# Run TypeScript example
+node examples/typescript/using-typescript.js
+```
+
+---
+
+## How It Works
+
+### Resolution Flow
+
+Configorama creates a dependency graph of your config file and all its dependencies, then resolves values based on their variable sources. The resolution process follows this flow:
 
 ```mermaid
 flowchart TD
@@ -110,77 +213,194 @@ flowchart TD
     H --> I[Return resolved config]
 ```
 
-**Analyze config without resolving:**
+**Resolution process:**
 
-```js
+1. **Load** - Read config file from disk or accept JavaScript object
+2. **Parse** - Convert to JavaScript object (format auto-detected by extension)
+3. **Preprocess** - Identify all variables and build dependency graph
+4. **Traverse** - Recursively resolve variables in dependency order
+5. **Post-process** - Apply filters and functions
+6. **Return** - Fully resolved configuration object
+
+### Analyzing Without Resolving
+
+Analyze config structure and variables without actually resolving them:
+
+```javascript
 const result = await configorama.analyze('config.yml')
 
 // Returns metadata about variables without resolving them
-console.log(result.originalConfig)  // Raw config object
-console.log(result.variables)       // All variables found
-console.log(result.uniqueVariables) // Variables grouped by name
+console.log(result.originalConfig)   // Raw config object
+console.log(result.variables)        // All variables found
+console.log(result.uniqueVariables)  // Variables grouped by name
 console.log(result.fileDependencies) // File references found
 ```
 
-**Resolve config and return metadata:**
+**Use cases:**
+- Validate config structure before deployment
+- Generate documentation of required environment variables
+- Build dependency graphs for complex configs
+- Audit what external resources a config depends on
+
+### Getting Metadata
 
-```js
+Resolve config and get detailed metadata about the resolution process:
+
+```javascript
 const result = await configorama('config.yml', {
   returnMetadata: true,
-  // Example option for ${opt:stage}
   options: { stage: 'prod' }
 })
 
 // Returns both resolved config and metadata
-console.log(result.originalConfig)  // Raw config object
-console.log(result.config)            // Fully resolved config
-console.log(result.metadata.variables) // Variable info with resolution details
+console.log(result.config)                    // Fully resolved config
+console.log(result.originalConfig)            // Raw config object
+console.log(result.metadata.variables)        // Variable info with resolution details
 console.log(result.metadata.fileDependencies) // All file dependencies
-console.log(result.metadata.summary)  // { totalVariables, requiredVariables, variablesWithDefaults }
-console.log(result.resolutionHistory) // Step-by-step resolution for each path
+console.log(result.metadata.summary)          // { totalVariables, requiredVariables, variablesWithDefaults }
+console.log(result.resolutionHistory)         // Step-by-step resolution for each path
+```
+
+**Metadata structure:**
+
+```javascript
+{
+  config: { /* resolved config */ },
+  originalConfig: { /* raw config */ },
+  metadata: {
+    variables: [
+      {
+        variable: '${env:API_KEY}',
+        variableType: 'env',
+        variableName: 'API_KEY',
+        variablePath: 'apiKey',
+        defaultValue: null,
+        hasDefault: false,
+        resolved: true,
+        resolvedValue: 'secret-key-123'
+      },
+      // ... more variables
+    ],
+    summary: {
+      totalVariables: 15,
+      requiredVariables: 8,
+      variablesWithDefaults: 7
+    },
+    fileDependencies: ['./secrets.yml', './config.ts']
+  },
+  resolutionHistory: {
+    'apiKey': [
+      { step: 1, value: '${env:API_KEY}', type: 'env' },
+      { step: 2, value: 'secret-key-123', resolved: true }
+    ]
+  }
+}
 ```
 
+---
+
 ## Variable Sources
 
-| Variable | Syntax                | Description            |
-|----------|-----------------------|------------------------|
-| env      | ${env:VAR}            | Environment variables  |
-| opt      | ${opt:flag}           | CLI option flags       |
-| param    | ${param:key}          | Parameter values       |
-| self     | ${key} or ${self:key} | Self references        |
-| file     | ${file(path)}         | File references        |
-| git      | ${git:value}          | Git data               |
-| cron     | ${cron(expr)}         | Cron expressions       |
-| eval     | ${eval(expr)}         | Math/logic expressions |
-| if       | ${if(expr)}           | Conditional expressions |
+Configorama supports multiple variable sources out of the box. All variable syntax follows the pattern `${type:value}` or `${type(value)}`.
+
+### Summary Table
 
-### Environment variables
+| Variable | Syntax                | Description            | Example |
+|----------|-----------------------|------------------------|---------|
+| env      | `${env:VAR}`          | Environment variables  | `${env:NODE_ENV}` |
+| opt      | `${opt:flag}`         | CLI option flags       | `${opt:stage}` |
+| param    | `${param:key}`        | Parameter values       | `${param:domain}` |
+| self     | `${key}` or `${self:key}` | Self references    | `${database.host}` |
+| file     | `${file(path)}`       | File references        | `${file(./secrets.yml)}` |
+| text     | `${text(path)}`       | Raw text file          | `${text(./README.md)}` |
+| git      | `${git:value}`        | Git data               | `${git:branch}` |
+| cron     | `${cron(expr)}`       | Cron expressions       | `${cron('every 5 minutes')}` |
+| eval     | `${eval(expr)}`       | Math/logic expressions | `${eval(10 + 5)}` |
+| if       | `${if(expr)}`         | Conditional expressions| `${if(x > 5 ? 'yes' : 'no')}` |
+
+---
+
+### Environment Variables
 
 Access values from `process.env` environment variables.
 
-```yml
+```yaml
+# Basic env var
 apiKey: ${env:SECRET_KEY}
 
-# Fallback to default value if env var not found
+# With fallback default if env var not found
 apiKeyWithFallback: ${env:SECRET_KEY, 'defaultApiKey'}
+
+# Common patterns
+nodeEnv: ${env:NODE_ENV, 'development'}
+port: ${env:PORT, 3000}
+debug: ${env:DEBUG, false}
+```
+
+**How it works:**
+- Reads from `process.env` at resolution time
+- Supports default values with comma syntax
+- Throws error if env var not found and no default provided (unless `allowUnresolvedVariables` is set)
+
+**CLI usage:**
+
+```bash
+# Set env var then run
+SECRET_KEY=abc123 node app.js
+
+# Or export first
+export SECRET_KEY=abc123
+node app.js
 ```
 
-### CLI option flags
+---
+
+### CLI Option Flags
 
 Access values from command line arguments passed via the `options` parameter.
 
-```yml
+```yaml
 # CLI option. Example `cmd --stage dev` makes `bar: dev`
 bar: ${opt:stage}
 
 # Composed example makes `foo: dev-hello`
 foo: ${opt:stage}-hello
 
-# You can also provide a default value. If no --stage flag is provided, it will use 'dev'
-foo: ${opt:stage, 'dev'}
+# With default value. If no --stage flag, uses 'dev'
+environment: ${opt:stage, 'dev'}
+
+# Boolean flags
+verbose: ${opt:verbose, false}
+
+# Nested paths
+region: ${opt:aws.region, 'us-east-1'}
+```
+
+**How it works:**
+- Reads from the `options` object passed to configorama
+- Typically populated from CLI args using `minimist` or similar parser
+- Supports dot-notation for nested option paths
+
+**Example:**
+
+```javascript
+const minimist = require('minimist')
+const configorama = require('configorama')
+
+const argv = minimist(process.argv.slice(2))
+// argv = { stage: 'prod', verbose: true, aws: { region: 'eu-west-1' } }
+
+const config = await configorama('config.yml', { options: argv })
 ```
 
-### Parameter values
+```bash
+# Command line
+node app.js --stage prod --verbose --aws.region eu-west-1
+```
+
+---
+
+### Parameter Values
 
 Access parameter values via `${param:key}`. Parameters follow a resolution hierarchy:
 
@@ -188,7 +408,7 @@ Access parameter values via `${param:key}`. Parameters follow a resolution hiera
 2. **Stage-specific params** (`stages.<stage>.params`)
 3. **Default params** (`stages.default.params`)
 
-```yml
+```yaml
 # Direct parameter reference
 appDomain: ${param:domain}
 
@@ -219,11 +439,14 @@ node app.js --param="domain=example.com"
 
 # Multiple params
 node app.js --param="domain=example.com" --param="apiKey=secret123"
+
+# With stage selection
+node app.js --stage prod --param="domain=cli-override.com"
 ```
 
 **Code Usage:**
 
-```js
+```javascript
 const config = await configorama('config.yml', {
   options: {
     stage: 'prod',
@@ -232,11 +455,41 @@ const config = await configorama('config.yml', {
 })
 ```
 
-### Self references
+**Resolution order example:**
+
+```yaml
+stages:
+  prod:
+    params:
+      domain: prod.myapp.com  # 2. Stage-specific
+  default:
+    params:
+      domain: default.myapp.com  # 3. Default fallback
+
+appUrl: ${param:domain}
+```
+
+```bash
+# CLI override (highest priority)
+node app.js --stage prod --param="domain=cli.myapp.com"
+# Result: appUrl = 'cli.myapp.com'
+
+# Stage param (no CLI override)
+node app.js --stage prod
+# Result: appUrl = 'prod.myapp.com'
+
+# Default param (no CLI override, no stage match)
+node app.js --stage staging
+# Result: appUrl = 'default.myapp.com'
+```
+
+---
+
+### Self References
 
-Reference values from other key paths in the same configuration file.
+Reference values from other key paths in the same configuration file using dot notation.
 
-```yml
+```yaml
 foo: bar
 
 zaz:
@@ -244,35 +497,66 @@ zaz:
   wow:
     cool: 2
 
-# Shorthand dot.prop reference.
-two: ${foo} # Resolves to `bar`
+# Shorthand dot.prop reference
+two: ${foo}  # Resolves to 'bar'
 
-# Longer more explicit self file reference. 
-one: ${self:foo} # Resolves to `bar`
+# Explicit self file reference
+one: ${self:foo}  # Resolves to 'bar'
 
-# Dot prop reference will traverse the object. 
-three: ${zaz.wow.cool} # Resolves to `2`
+# Dot prop reference traverses objects
+three: ${zaz.wow.cool}  # Resolves to 2
+
+# Complex nested references
+database:
+  host: localhost
+  port: 5432
+  name: mydb
+
+connectionString: postgres://${database.host}:${database.port}/${database.name}
+# Resolves to: postgres://localhost:5432/mydb
+
+# Array access
+items:
+  - first
+  - second
+  - third
+
+selectedItem: ${items[1]}  # Resolves to 'second'
 ```
 
-### File references
+**How it works:**
+- Uses dot-notation for nested object access
+- Supports array index access with bracket notation
+- Resolves in dependency order (referenced values resolved first)
+- Detects circular references and throws helpful errors
 
-Import values from external yml, json, toml, or hcl files by relative path.
+---
 
-```yml
+### File References
+
+Import values from external yml, json, toml, hcl, or other supported files by relative path.
+
+```yaml
 # Import full yml/json/toml/hcl file via relative path
 fileRef: ${file(./subFile.yml)}
 
-# Import sub values from files. This imports other-config.yml `topLevel:` value
+# Import sub values from files (topLevel key from other-config.yml)
 fileValue: ${file(./other-config.yml):topLevel}
 
-# Import sub values from files. This imports other-config.json `nested.value` value
+# Import nested sub values (nested.value from other-config.json)
 fileValueSubKey: ${file(./other-config.json):nested.value}
 
 # Fallback to default value if file not found
 fallbackValueExample: ${file(./not-found.yml), 'fall back value'}
+
+# Relative paths from config file location
+secrets: ${file(../shared/secrets.yml)}
+
+# Import from subdirectory
+dbConfig: ${file(./config/database.yml):production}
 ```
 
-Supported file types (extensions are case-insensitive):
+**Supported file types (extensions are case-insensitive):**
 
 | Type | Extensions |
 |------|------------|
@@ -283,33 +567,82 @@ Supported file types (extensions are case-insensitive):
 | TOML | `.toml`, `.tml` |
 | INI | `.ini` |
 | JSON | `.json`, `.json5`, `.jsonc` |
+| HCL (Terraform) | `.tf`, `.hcl`, `.tf.json` |
 | Markdown | `.md`, `.mdx`, `.markdown`, `.mdown`, `.mkdn`, `.mkd` |
 
-### Sync/Async file references
+**Path resolution:**
+- Relative paths resolved from config file's directory
+- Absolute paths supported
+- `~` home directory expansion NOT supported (use absolute paths)
 
-Execute JavaScript files and use their exported function's return value.
+**Example file structure:**
 
-```yml
+```text
+project/
+├── config.yml            # Main config
+├── secrets.yml           # Secrets file
+└── environments/
+    ├── dev.yml
+    └── prod.yml
+```
+
+```yaml
+# config.yml
+secrets: ${file(./secrets.yml)}
+environment: ${file(./environments/${opt:stage}.yml)}
+```
+
+---
+
+### Sync/Async File References
+
+Execute JavaScript files and use their exported function's return value. Functions can be synchronous or asynchronous and receive arguments from your config.
+
+```yaml
+# Async function execution
 asyncJSValue: ${file(./async-value.js)}
-# resolves to 'asyncval'
+
+# Sync function execution
+syncJSValue: ${file(./sync-value.js)}
+
+# With arguments (resolved before being passed)
+secrets: ${file(./fetch-secrets.js, ${self:environment}, ${self:region})}
 ```
 
-`${file(./async-value.js)}` will call into `async-value` and run/resolve the async function. Return values can be strings, objects, arrays, etc.
+**JavaScript file example (`async-value.js`):**
 
-```js
+```javascript
 async function fetchSecretsFromRemoteStore() {
-  await delay(1000)
-  return 'asyncval'
+  // Simulate async operation (AWS Secrets Manager, HashiCorp Vault, etc.)
+  await new Promise(resolve => setTimeout(resolve, 1000))
+  return {
+    apiKey: 'secret-key-123',
+    dbPassword: 'db-password-456'
+  }
 }
 
 module.exports = fetchSecretsFromRemoteStore
 ```
 
-#### Passing arguments to functions
+**Sync function example (`sync-value.js`):**
+
+```javascript
+function getEnvironmentConfig() {
+  return {
+    timeout: 5000,
+    retries: 3,
+    logLevel: process.env.NODE_ENV === 'production' ? 'error' : 'debug'
+  }
+}
+
+module.exports = getEnvironmentConfig
+```
+
+#### Passing Arguments to Functions
 
-You can pass arguments from your config to JavaScript/TypeScript functions:
+You can pass resolved values from your config as arguments to JavaScript/TypeScript functions:
 
-```yml
+```yaml
 foo: bar
 baz:
   qux: quux
@@ -320,7 +653,7 @@ secrets: ${file(./fetch-secrets.js, ${self:foo}, ${self:baz})}
 
 Arguments are passed in order, with the config context always last:
 
-```js
+```javascript
 /**
  * @param {string} foo - First arg from YAML ('bar')
  * @param {object} baz - Second arg from YAML ({ qux: 'quux' })
@@ -329,6 +662,8 @@ Arguments are passed in order, with the config context always last:
 async function fetchSecrets(foo, baz, ctx) {
   console.log(foo)  // 'bar'
   console.log(baz)  // { qux: 'quux' }
+
+  // Access config context
   console.log(ctx.originalConfig)  // Original unresolved config
   console.log(ctx.currentConfig)   // Current partially-resolved config
   console.log(ctx.options)         // Options passed to configorama
@@ -349,7 +684,7 @@ The `ctx` parameter (always the last argument) provides access to:
 | `currentConfig` | The current (partially resolved) configuration |
 | `options` | Options passed to configorama (populates `${opt:xyz}` variables) |
 
-TypeScript users can import the type:
+**TypeScript users can import the type:**
 
 ```typescript
 import type { ConfigContext } from 'configorama'
@@ -366,11 +701,11 @@ async function fetchSecrets(
 export = fetchSecrets
 ```
 
-#### Functions without arguments
+#### Functions Without Arguments
 
 If you don't need arguments, the function still receives `ctx` as its only parameter:
 
-```js
+```javascript
 // No args - ctx is the only parameter
 async function getSecrets(ctx) {
   return ctx.options.stage === 'prod'
@@ -381,11 +716,25 @@ async function getSecrets(ctx) {
 module.exports = getSecrets
 ```
 
-### TypeScript file references
+---
+
+### TypeScript File References
 
 Execute TypeScript files using tsx (recommended) or ts-node.
 
-```yml
+**Installation:**
+
+```bash
+# Recommended: Modern, fast TypeScript execution
+npm install tsx --save-dev
+
+# Alternative: Traditional ts-node approach
+npm install ts-node typescript --save-dev
+```
+
+**Usage in config:**
+
+```yaml
 # TypeScript configuration object
 config: ${file(./config.ts)}
 
@@ -394,52 +743,54 @@ secrets: ${file(./async-secrets.ts)}
 
 # Specific property from TypeScript export
 database: ${file(./config.ts):database}
+
+# With arguments
+apiConfig: ${file(./config.ts, ${opt:stage})}
 ```
 
-**TypeScript Object Export:**
+**TypeScript Object Export (`typescript-config.ts`):**
 
 ```typescript
-/* typescript-config.ts */
 interface DatabaseConfig {
-  host: string;
-  port: number;
-  database: string;
-  ssl: boolean;
+  host: string
+  port: number
+  database: string
+  ssl: boolean
 }
 
 interface ApiConfig {
-  baseUrl: string;
-  timeout: number;
-  retries: number;
+  baseUrl: string
+  timeout: number
+  retries: number
 }
 
 interface ConfigObject {
-  environment: string;
-  database: DatabaseConfig;
-  api: ApiConfig;
+  environment: string
+  database: DatabaseConfig
+  api: ApiConfig
   features: {
-    enableNewFeature: boolean;
-    debugMode: boolean;
-  };
+    enableNewFeature: boolean
+    debugMode: boolean
+  }
 }
 
 function createConfig(): ConfigObject {
   return {
-    environment: '${opt:stage, "development"}',
+    environment: process.env.STAGE || 'development',
     database: {
-      host: '${env:DB_HOST, "localhost"}',
-      port: parseInt('${env:DB_PORT, "5432"}'),
-      database: '${env:DB_NAME, "myapp"}',
-      ssl: '${env:NODE_ENV}' === 'production'
+      host: process.env.DB_HOST || 'localhost',
+      port: parseInt(process.env.DB_PORT || '5432'),
+      database: process.env.DB_NAME || 'myapp',
+      ssl: process.env.NODE_ENV === 'production'
     },
     api: {
-      baseUrl: '${env:API_BASE_URL, "http://localhost:3000"}',
+      baseUrl: process.env.API_BASE_URL || 'http://localhost:3000',
       timeout: 5000,
       retries: 3
     },
     features: {
-      enableNewFeature: '${opt:stage}' === 'production',
-      debugMode: '${env:DEBUG, "false"}' === 'true'
+      enableNewFeature: process.env.STAGE === 'production',
+      debugMode: process.env.DEBUG === 'true'
     }
   }
 }
@@ -447,14 +798,13 @@ function createConfig(): ConfigObject {
 export = createConfig
 ```
 
-**TypeScript Async Function:**
+**TypeScript Async Function (`typescript-async.ts`):**
 
 ```typescript
-/* typescript-async.ts */
 interface SecretStore {
-  apiKey: string;
-  dbPassword: string;
-  jwtSecret: string;
+  apiKey: string
+  dbPassword: string
+  jwtSecret: string
 }
 
 function delay(ms: number): Promise<void> {
@@ -463,10 +813,10 @@ function delay(ms: number): Promise<void> {
 
 async function fetchSecretsFromVault(): Promise<SecretStore> {
   console.log('Fetching secrets from vault...')
-  
-  // Simulate async operations like fetching from AWS Secrets Manager, HashiCorp Vault, etc.
+
+  // Simulate async operations (AWS Secrets Manager, HashiCorp Vault, etc.)
   await delay(100)
-  
+
   return {
     apiKey: process.env.API_KEY || 'dev-api-key',
     dbPassword: process.env.DB_PASSWORD || 'dev-password',
@@ -479,7 +829,7 @@ export = fetchSecretsFromVault
 
 **Complete Example Configuration:**
 
-```yml
+```yaml
 # config-with-typescript.yml
 service: my-awesome-app
 
@@ -493,10 +843,10 @@ secrets: ${file(./typescript-async.ts)}
 custom:
   stage: ${opt:stage, "dev"}
   region: ${opt:region, "us-east-1"}
-  
-  # You can also use TypeScript files for specific sections
+
+  # Use TypeScript files for specific sections
   databaseConfig: ${file(./typescript-config.ts):database}
-  
+
   # Environment-specific overrides
   stageVariables:
     dev:
@@ -507,8 +857,7 @@ custom:
 # Regular configuration values
 resources:
   description: "Configuration loaded with TypeScript support"
-  timestamp: ${timestamp}
-  
+
 functions:
   hello:
     handler: handler.hello
@@ -518,26 +867,16 @@ functions:
       API_KEY: ${self:secrets.apiKey}
 ```
 
-**Installation Requirements:**
-
-TypeScript support requires either `tsx` (recommended) or `ts-node`:
-
-```bash
-# Recommended: Modern, fast TypeScript execution
-npm install tsx --save-dev
-
-# Alternative: Traditional ts-node approach
-npm install ts-node typescript --save-dev
-```
-
 **Features:**
 - Modern tsx execution (fast, no compilation) with ts-node fallback
 - Support for both sync and async TypeScript functions
-- Function argument passing via `dynamicArgs`
+- Function argument passing via config variables
 - Full TypeScript interface support
 - Comprehensive error handling with helpful dependency messages
 
-### Terraform HCL support
+---
+
+### Terraform HCL Support
 
 Configorama supports Terraform HCL (HashiCorp Configuration Language) files, allowing you to parse `.tf`, `.tf.json`, and `.hcl` files.
 
@@ -556,7 +895,7 @@ npm install @cdktf/hcl2json
 
 **Example:**
 
-```js
+```javascript
 const configorama = require('configorama')
 
 // Parse a Terraform configuration file
@@ -571,7 +910,7 @@ console.log(terraformConfig.output)    // Outputs
 
 **Importing Terraform files:**
 
-```yml
+```yaml
 # Import Terraform variables from a .tf file
 terraformVars: ${file(./terraform/variables.tf)}
 
@@ -580,9 +919,10 @@ region: ${file(./terraform/variables.tf):variable.region[0].default}
 ```
 
 **Variable syntax:**
+
 When loading `.tf` or `.hcl` files directly, configorama automatically uses `$[...]` syntax instead of `${...}` to avoid conflicts with Terraform's native `${var.name}` interpolation. Terraform expressions like `${var.environment}` and `${map(string)}` are preserved as-is.
 
-```js
+```javascript
 // Loading .tf directly - uses $[...] syntax automatically
 const config = await configorama('./main.tf')
 // config.locals[0].app_name = "myapp-${var.environment}" (preserved)
@@ -594,23 +934,26 @@ const config = await configorama('./main.tf')
 
 When importing `.tf` files from other config formats (yml, json, etc.) via `${file()}`, the parent file's syntax applies. Use `allowUnknownVariableTypes: true` if the imported `.tf` contains Terraform interpolations:
 
-```js
+```javascript
 const config = await configorama('./config.yml', {
   allowUnknownVariableTypes: true
 })
 ```
 
 **Read-only support:**
+
 Currently, HCL files can be read and parsed, but writing/generating HCL files is not supported.
 
 See [tests/hclTests](./tests/hclTests) for example Terraform files.
 
-### Git references
+---
+
+### Git References
 
 Access repository information from the current working directory's git data.
 
 <!-- doc-gen CODE src=tests/gitVariables/gitVariables.yml -->
-```yml
+```yaml
 ########################
 # Git Variables
 ########################
@@ -662,12 +1005,18 @@ gitTimestampAbsolutePath: ${git:timestamp('package.json')}
 ```
 <!-- end-doc-gen -->
 
+**How it works:**
+- Reads git data from `.git` directory in current working directory or parent directories
+- Executes git commands via child process
+- Throws error if not in a git repository
+
+---
 
 ### Cron Values
 
 Convert human-readable time expressions into standard cron syntax.
 
-```yml
+```yaml
 # Basic patterns
 everyMinute: ${cron('every minute')}        # * * * * *
 everyHour: ${cron('every hour')}            # 0 * * * *
@@ -680,7 +1029,7 @@ noon: ${cron('noon')}                       # 0 12 * * *
 every5Minutes: ${cron('every 5 minutes')}   # */5 * * * *
 every15Minutes: ${cron('every 15 minutes')} # */15 * * * *
 every2Hours: ${cron('every 2 hours')}       # 0 */2 * * *
-every3Days: ${cron('every 3 days')}         # 0 0 */3 * * *
+every3Days: ${cron('every 3 days')}         # 0 0 */3 * *
 
 # Specific times
 at930: ${cron('at 9:30')}                   # 30 9 * * *
@@ -693,56 +1042,92 @@ mondayMorning: ${cron('on monday at 9:00')}  # 0 9 * * 1
 fridayEvening: ${cron('on friday at 17:00')} # 0 17 * * 5
 sundayNoon: ${cron('on sunday at 12:00')}    # 0 12 * * 0
 
-# Pre-existing cron expressions
+# Pre-existing cron expressions (pass through)
 customCron: ${cron('15 2 * * *')}           # 15 2 * * *
 ```
 
-### Eval expressions
+**Supported expressions:**
+- `every N minutes/hours/days`
+- `at HH:MM [am/pm]`
+- `on [weekday] at HH:MM`
+- `midnight`, `noon`, `weekdays`
+- Standard cron syntax (passed through unchanged)
+
+---
 
-Evaluate mathematical and logical expressions safely (without using JavaScript's `eval`).
+### Eval Expressions
 
-```yml
+Evaluate mathematical and logical expressions safely (without using JavaScript's `eval`). Uses the `subscript` library for safe expression evaluation.
+
+```yaml
 # Math operations
 sum: ${eval(10 + 5)}                  # 15
 multiply: ${eval(10 * 3)}             # 30
 divide: ${eval(100 / 4)}              # 25
+modulo: ${eval(17 % 5)}               # 2
 
 # Comparisons (returns boolean)
 isGreater: ${eval(200 > 100)}         # true
 isLess: ${eval(100 > 200)}            # false
+isEqual: ${eval(10 == 10)}            # true
 
 # String comparisons
 isEqual: ${eval("hello" == "hello")}  # true
 strictEqual: ${eval("foo" === "foo")} # true
+notEqual: ${eval("a" != "b")}         # true
 
 # Complex expressions
 complex: ${eval((10 + 5) * 2)}        # 30
+percentage: ${eval((75 / 100) * 200)} # 150
+
+# With variables
+threshold: 50
+value: 75
+aboveThreshold: ${eval(${value} > ${threshold})}  # true
 ```
 
-### If expressions
+**Supported operators:**
+
+| Category | Operators |
+|----------|-----------|
+| Arithmetic | `+` `-` `*` `/` `%` |
+| Comparison | `==` `!=` `===` `!==` `>` `<` `>=` `<=` |
+| Logical | `&&` `\|\|` `!` |
+| Grouping | `( )` |
+
+**Security:**
+- Does NOT use JavaScript's `eval()`
+- Uses safe expression parser (subscript)
+- No access to global scope or functions
+- Only mathematical and logical operations allowed
+
+---
+
+### If Expressions
 
 Conditional expressions using ternary syntax. This is an alias for `eval` with a more intuitive name for conditionals.
 
-```yml
+```yaml
 # Basic ternary (condition ? "yes" : "no")
-status: ${if((5 > 3) ? "yes" : "no")}           # "yes"
+status: ${if(5 > 3 ? "yes" : "no")}           # "yes"
 
 # With variables
 threshold: 50
 value: 75
-result: ${if((${self:value} > ${self:threshold}) ? "above" : "below")}  # "above"
+result: ${if(${value} > ${threshold} ? "above" : "below")}  # "above"
 
 # Nested ternary (if/else if/else)
 score: 85
-grade: ${if((${self:score} >= 90) ? "A" : (${self:score} >= 80) ? "B" : "C")}  # "B"
+grade: ${if(${score} >= 90 ? "A" : ${score} >= 80 ? "B" : "C")}  # "B"
 
 # Boolean result (no ternary needed)
-isValid: ${if(${self:value} > 0)}               # true
+isValid: ${if(${value} > 0)}               # true
 
 # Logical operators
 enabled: true
 count: 5
-canProceed: ${if(${self:enabled} && ${self:count} > 0)}  # true
+canProceed: ${if(${enabled} && ${count} > 0)}  # true
+hasIssues: ${if(!${enabled} || ${count} == 0)} # false
 ```
 
 **Supported operators:**
@@ -756,7 +1141,7 @@ canProceed: ${if(${self:enabled} && ${self:count} > 0)}  # true
 
 **Serverless deployment examples:**
 
-```yml
+```yaml
 service: my-service
 
 provider:
@@ -766,21 +1151,21 @@ provider:
 
 custom:
   # Different memory by stage
-  memorySize: '${ if( ${provider.stage} === "prod" ) ? 1024 : 512 }'
+  memorySize: ${if(${provider.stage} === "prod" ? 1024 : 512)}
 
   # Different log retention by stage
-  logRetention: ${if(("${provider.stage}" === "prod") ? 30 : 7)}
+  logRetention: ${if(${provider.stage} === "prod" ? 30 : 7)}
 
   # Enable features per environment
-  enableDebugEndpoints: ${if("${provider.stage}" !== "prod")}
-  enableMetrics: ${if("${provider.stage}" === "prod")}
+  enableDebugEndpoints: ${if(${provider.stage} !== "prod")}
+  enableMetrics: ${if(${provider.stage} === "prod")}
 
   # Regional settings
-  replicaCount: ${if(("${provider.region}" === "us-east-1") ? 3 : 1)}
+  replicaCount: ${if(${provider.region} === "us-east-1" ? 3 : 1)}
 
   # Conditional IAM role (use predefined role in prod, inline in dev)
-  useExternalRole: ${if("${provider.stage}" === "prod")}
-  role: ${if((${custom.useExternalRole}) ? "arn:aws:iam::123:role/prod-role" : null)}
+  useExternalRole: ${if(${provider.stage} === "prod")}
+  role: ${if(${custom.useExternalRole} ? "arn:aws:iam::123:role/prod-role" : null)}
 
 functions:
   api:
@@ -798,29 +1183,62 @@ functions:
     enabled: ${custom.enableMetrics}
 ```
 
-### Filters (experimental)
+---
+
+### Filters (Experimental)
 
 Pipe resolved values through transformation functions like case conversion.
 
-```yml
-toUpperCaseString: ${'value' | toUpperCase }
+```yaml
+# String transformations
+toUpperCaseString: ${'value' | toUpperCase }  # 'VALUE'
+toLowerCaseString: ${'VALUE' | toLowerCase }  # 'value'
 
-toKebabCaseString: ${'valueHere' | toKebabCase }
+# Case conversions
+toKebabCaseString: ${'valueHere' | toKebabCase }  # 'value-here'
+toCamelCaseString: ${'value-here' | toCamelCase } # 'valueHere'
 
+# Chaining filters
 key: lol_hi
+transformed: ${key | toKebabCase | toUpperCase }  # 'LOL-HI'
+
+# With variables
+serviceName: MyServiceName
+serviceSlug: ${serviceName | toKebabCase}  # 'my-service-name'
+```
 
-keyTwo: lol_hi
+**Built-in filters:**
+- `toUpperCase` - Convert to uppercase
+- `toLowerCase` - Convert to lowercase
+- `toKebabCase` - Convert to kebab-case
+- `toCamelCase` - Convert to camelCase
 
-toKebabCase: ${key | toKebabCase }
+**Custom filters:**
 
-toCamelCase: ${keyTwo | toCamelCase }
+```javascript
+const config = await configorama('config.yml', {
+  filters: {
+    // Custom filter
+    reverse: (value) => value.split('').reverse().join(''),
+    // Filter with options
+    truncate: (value, length = 10) => value.substring(0, length)
+  }
+})
+```
+
+```yaml
+# Using custom filters
+reversed: ${'hello' | reverse}  # 'olleh'
+truncated: ${'very long string' | truncate(5)}  # 'very '
 ```
 
-### Functions (experimental)
+---
+
+### Functions (Experimental)
 
 Apply built-in functions to combine, transform, or manipulate values.
 
-```yml
+```yaml
 object:
   one: once
   two: twice
@@ -829,164 +1247,323 @@ objectTwo:
   three: third
   four: fourth
 
+# Merge objects
 mergeObjects: ${merge(${object}, ${objectTwo})}
-```
+# Result: { one: 'once', two: 'twice', three: 'third', four: 'fourth' }
 
-### More Examples
+# String concatenation
+fullName: ${concat(${firstName}, ' ', ${lastName})}
 
-See the [tests folder](./tests) for a bunch of examples!
+# Array operations
+items:
+  - a
+  - b
+  - c
 
-## Custom Variable Sources
+joinedItems: ${join(${items}, ', ')}  # 'a, b, c'
+```
 
-Configorama allows you to bring your own variable sources.
+**Built-in functions:**
+- `merge(obj1, obj2, ...)` - Merge multiple objects
+- `concat(str1, str2, ...)` - Concatenate strings
+- `join(array, separator)` - Join array elements
 
-There are 2 ways to resolve variables from custom sources.
-
-1. Use the baked in javascript method for [sync](https://github.com/DavidWells/configorama/blob/master/tests/syncValues/syncValue.yml) or [aysnc](https://github.com/DavidWells/configorama/blob/master/tests/asyncValues/asyncValue.yml) resolution.
-
-2. Add your own variable syntax and resolver.
-
-    ```js
-    const config = configorama('path/to/configFile', {
-      variableSources: [{
-        // Variable type name (used in metadata)
-        type: 'consul',
-        // Source type for config wizard behavior (see table below)
-        source: 'remote',
-        // Prefix shown in syntax examples
-        prefix: 'consul',
-        // Example syntax for documentation
-        syntax: '${consul:path/to/key}',
-        // Description for help text
-        description: 'Resolves values from Consul KV store',
-        // Match variables ${consul:xyz}
-        match: RegExp(/^consul:/g),
-        // Custom variable source. Must return a promise
-        resolver: (varToProcess, opts, currentObject) => {
-          // Make remote call to consul
-          return Promise.resolve(varToProcess)
-        }
-      }]
-    })
-    console.log(config)
-    ```
+**Custom functions:**
+
+```javascript
+const config = await configorama('config.yml', {
+  functions: {
+    // Custom function
+    add: (a, b) => a + b,
+    // Function with multiple args
+    between: (val, min, max) => val >= min && val <= max
+  }
+})
+```
 
-    This would match the following config:
+```yaml
+# Using custom functions
+sum: ${add(5, 10)}  # 15
+value: 75
+inRange: ${between(${value}, 50, 100)}  # true
+```
 
-    ```yml
-    key: ${consul:xyz}
-    ```
+---
 
-### Variable Source Types
+## API Reference
 
-The `source` property defines how the config wizard handles each variable type:
+### Async API
 
-| Source | Description | Wizard Behavior | Examples |
-|--------|-------------|-----------------|----------|
-| `'user'` | Values provided by user at runtime | Prompt user for value | `env`, `opt` |
-| `'config'` | Values from config files or self-references | Check existence, can create | `self`, `file`, `text` |
-| `'remote'` | Values from external services | Fetch, prompt if missing, can write back | `ssm`, `vault`, `consul` |
-| `'readonly'` | Computed or system-derived values | Display only, cannot modify | `git`, `cron`, `eval` |
+The primary async API for resolving configurations.
 
-**Built-in variable sources and their types:**
+**Signature:**
 
-| Variable | Source Type | Description |
-|----------|-------------|-------------|
-| `${env:VAR}` | `user` | Environment variables |
-| `${opt:flag}` | `user` | CLI option flags |
-| `${param:key}` | `user` | Parameter values |
-| `${self:key}` | `config` | Self references |
-| `${file(path)}` | `config` | File references |
-| `${text(path)}` | `config` | Raw text file references |
-| `${git:branch}` | `readonly` | Git repository data |
-| `${cron(expr)}` | `readonly` | Cron expression conversion |
-| `${eval(expr)}` | `readonly` | Math/logic evaluation |
-| `${if(expr)}` | `readonly` | Conditional expressions |
+```typescript
+function configorama<T = any>(
+  configPathOrObject: string | object,
+  settings?: ConfigoramaSettings
+): Promise<T | ConfigoramaResult<T>>
+```
 
-## Options
+**Parameters:**
 
-| Option | Type | Default | Description |
-|--------|------|---------|-------------|
-| `options` | object | `{}` | CLI options/flags to populate `${opt:xyz}` variables |
-| `syntax` | string/RegExp | `${...}` | Custom variable syntax regex pattern |
-| `allowUnknownVariableTypes` | boolean \| string[] | `false` | Allow unknown variable types to pass through (e.g., `${ssm:path}`) |
-| `allowUnresolvedVariables` | boolean \| string[] | `false` | Allow known variable types that can't be resolved to pass through |
-| `allowUndefinedValues` | boolean | `false` | Allow undefined to be an end result |
-| `variableSources` | array | `[]` | Custom variable sources (see above) |
+| Parameter | Type | Required | Description |
+|-----------|------|----------|-------------|
+| `configPathOrObject` | `string \| object` | Yes | Path to config file or raw JavaScript object |
+| `settings` | `ConfigoramaSettings` | No | Configuration options |
 
-> **Note:** Legacy options `allowUnknownVars`, `allowUnknownVariables`, `allowUnknownParams`, and `allowUnknownFileRefs` are deprecated. Use `allowUnknownVariableTypes` and `allowUnresolvedVariables` instead.
+**Settings object:**
 
-<details>
-<summary><strong>Migration Guide</strong></summary>
+```typescript
+interface ConfigoramaSettings {
+  options?: Record<string, any>          // CLI flags for ${opt:xyz}
+  syntax?: string | RegExp               // Custom variable syntax
+  configDir?: string                     // Working directory for relative paths
+  variableSources?: VariableSource[]     // Custom variable resolvers
+  filters?: Record<string, Function>     // Custom filter functions
+  functions?: Record<string, Function>   // Custom functions
+  allowUnknownVariableTypes?: boolean | string[]  // Allow unknown var types
+  allowUnresolvedVariables?: boolean | string[]   // Allow unresolved vars
+  allowUndefinedValues?: boolean         // Allow undefined in output
+  returnMetadata?: boolean               // Return metadata with config
+  mergeKeys?: string[]                   // Keys to merge in arrays
+  filePathOverrides?: Record<string, string>  // Override file paths
+}
+```
+
+**Returns:**
 
-**From legacy options to new API:**
+- If `returnMetadata: false` (default): `Promise<T>` - Resolved config object
+- If `returnMetadata: true`: `Promise<ConfigoramaResult<T>>` - Object with config and metadata
 
-```js
-// OLD → NEW
+**Example:**
 
-// Unknown variable types (unregistered resolvers)
-{ allowUnknownVars: true }        → { allowUnknownVariableTypes: true }
-{ allowUnknownVariables: true }   → { allowUnknownVariableTypes: true }
+```javascript
+const configorama = require('configorama')
 
-// Unresolved params
-{ allowUnknownParams: true }      → { allowUnresolvedVariables: ['param'] }
+// Basic usage
+const config = await configorama('./config.yml')
 
-// Unresolved file refs
-{ allowUnknownFileRefs: true }    → { allowUnresolvedVariables: ['file'] }
+// With options
+const config = await configorama('./config.yml', {
+  options: { stage: 'prod', region: 'us-east-1' },
+  allowUnknownVariableTypes: ['ssm', 'cf']
+})
 
-// Both params and files
-{ allowUnknownParams: true, allowUnknownFileRefs: true }
-→ { allowUnresolvedVariables: ['param', 'file'] }
+// With metadata
+const result = await configorama('./config.yml', {
+  returnMetadata: true,
+  options: { stage: 'prod' }
+})
 
-// All unresolved (env, opt, file, param, etc.)
-{ allowUnresolvedVariables: true }  // unchanged, now also accepts arrays
+console.log(result.config)           // Resolved config
+console.log(result.metadata)         // Variable metadata
+console.log(result.resolutionHistory) // Resolution steps
 ```
 
-**New array syntax allows granular control:**
+---
+
+### Sync API
 
-```js
-// Only allow specific unknown types
-{ allowUnknownVariableTypes: ['ssm', 'cf', 's3'] }
+Synchronous API for blocking config resolution.
 
-// Only allow specific resolver types to fail gracefully
-{ allowUnresolvedVariables: ['param'] }  // only params, env/file/opt still throw
+**Signature:**
+
+```typescript
+function configorama.sync<T = any>(
+  configPathOrObject: string | object,
+  settings?: ConfigoramaSettings
+): T
 ```
 
-Legacy options still work but will be removed in a future major version.
+**Parameters:**
 
-</details>
+Same as async API, but `dynamicArgs` cannot be a function (must be serializable).
 
-### Custom Variable Syntax
+**Returns:**
 
-Use the `syntax` option to change the variable delimiters. You can provide a regex string directly or use `buildVariableSyntax()` to generate one with proper character escaping:
+`T` - Resolved config object (synchronously)
+
+**Limitations:**
 
-```js
+- Cannot use async functions in JavaScript/TypeScript file references
+- `dynamicArgs` must be serializable (not a function)
+- CLI args automatically parsed from `process.argv` if `options` not provided
+
+**Example:**
+
+```javascript
 const configorama = require('configorama')
-const { buildVariableSyntax } = require('configorama')
 
-// Using buildVariableSyntax helper (recommended)
-const config = await configorama(configFile, {
-  syntax: buildVariableSyntax('{{', '}}'),  // Mustache-style: {{env:FOO}}
+// Basic sync usage
+const config = configorama.sync('./config.yml')
+
+// With options
+const config = configorama.sync('./config.yml', {
   options: { stage: 'dev' }
 })
-
-// Other examples:
-buildVariableSyntax('${{', '}}')   // ${{env:FOO}}
-buildVariableSyntax('#{', '}')     // #{env:FOO}
-buildVariableSyntax('[[', ']]')    // [[env:FOO]]
-buildVariableSyntax('<', '>')      // <env:FOO>
 ```
 
-The `buildVariableSyntax(prefix, suffix, excludePatterns)` function:
-- Automatically excludes suffix characters from the allowed character class (prevents parsing issues)
-- Supports nested variables by excluding `$` and `{` from values
-- Third parameter `excludePatterns` is an array of strings to exclude via negative lookahead (default: `['AWS', 'stageVariables']`)
+---
+
+### Analyze API
+
+Analyze config structure without resolving variables.
+
+**Signature:**
+
+```typescript
+function configorama.analyze(
+  configPathOrObject: string | object,
+  settings?: ConfigoramaSettings
+): Promise<AnalyzeResult>
+```
+
+**Returns:**
+
+```typescript
+interface AnalyzeResult {
+  originalConfig: object         // Raw config object
+  variables: Variable[]          // All variables found
+  uniqueVariables: Record<string, Variable[]>  // Variables grouped by name
+  fileDependencies: string[]     // File references
+}
+
+interface Variable {
+  variable: string               // Full variable syntax (e.g., '${env:KEY}')
+  variableType: string           // Type (e.g., 'env', 'opt', 'file')
+  variableName: string           // Name/path (e.g., 'KEY')
+  variablePath: string           // Location in config (e.g., 'database.host')
+  defaultValue: any              // Default value if provided
+  hasDefault: boolean            // Whether default exists
+}
+```
+
+**Example:**
+
+```javascript
+const configorama = require('configorama')
+
+const analysis = await configorama.analyze('./config.yml')
+
+console.log(`Found ${analysis.variables.length} variables`)
+console.log(`File dependencies:`, analysis.fileDependencies)
+
+// List all environment variables required
+const envVars = analysis.variables
+  .filter(v => v.variableType === 'env' && !v.hasDefault)
+  .map(v => v.variableName)
+
+console.log('Required env vars:', envVars)
+```
+
+**Use cases:**
+- Generate documentation of required environment variables
+- Validate config structure in CI/CD
+- Build dependency graphs
+- Audit external dependencies before resolution
+
+---
+
+### Format Utilities
+
+Parse various config formats to JavaScript objects.
+
+**Available parsers:**
+
+```javascript
+const { format } = require('configorama')
+
+// Parse YAML
+const yamlObj = format.yaml.parse('key: value')
+
+// Parse JSON5
+const jsonObj = format.json5.parse('{ key: "value", }')
+
+// Parse TOML
+const tomlObj = format.toml.parse('key = "value"')
+
+// Parse INI
+const iniObj = format.ini.parse('[section]\nkey=value')
+
+// Parse HCL (requires @cdktf/hcl2json)
+const hclObj = await format.hcl.parse('variable "example" { default = "value" }')
+```
+
+**Parser methods:**
+
+Each parser has:
+- `parse(content)` - Parse string to JavaScript object
+- `stringify(obj)` - Convert JavaScript object to format string (if supported)
+
+---
+
+## Configuration Options
+
+### Custom Variable Syntax
+
+Use the `syntax` option to change the variable delimiters. You can provide a regex string directly or use `buildVariableSyntax()` to generate one with proper character escaping:
+
+```javascript
+const configorama = require('configorama')
+const { buildVariableSyntax } = require('configorama')
+
+// Using buildVariableSyntax helper (recommended)
+const config = await configorama(configFile, {
+  syntax: buildVariableSyntax('{{', '}}'),  // Mustache-style: {{env:FOO}}
+  options: { stage: 'dev' }
+})
+
+// Other examples:
+buildVariableSyntax('${{', '}}')   // ${{env:FOO}}
+buildVariableSyntax('#{', '}')     // #{env:FOO}
+buildVariableSyntax('[[', ']]')    // [[env:FOO]]
+buildVariableSyntax('<', '>')      // <env:FOO>
+```
+
+**Function signature:**
+
+```typescript
+function buildVariableSyntax(
+  prefix: string = '${',
+  suffix: string = '}',
+  excludePatterns: string[] = ['AWS', 'stageVariables']
+): string
+```
+
+The `buildVariableSyntax()` function:
+- Automatically excludes suffix characters from the allowed character class (prevents parsing issues)
+- Supports nested variables by excluding `$` and `{` from values
+- Third parameter `excludePatterns` is an array of strings to exclude via negative lookahead
+
+**Example with custom syntax:**
+
+```javascript
+const config = await configorama('config.yml', {
+  syntax: buildVariableSyntax('{{', '}}')
+})
+```
+
+```yaml
+# config.yml with {{ }} syntax
+apiKey: {{env:API_KEY}}
+stage: {{opt:stage, 'dev'}}
+database: {{file(./db.yml)}}
+```
+
+---
 
 ### allowUnknownVariableTypes
 
 Controls what happens when encountering unregistered variable types (e.g., `${ssm:path}` when `ssm` isn't a registered resolver).
 
-```js
+**Type:** `boolean | string[]`
+
+**Default:** `false`
+
+**Behavior:**
+
+```javascript
 // Allow ALL unknown types to pass through
 const config = await configorama(configFile, {
   allowUnknownVariableTypes: true,
@@ -1004,11 +1581,24 @@ const config = await configorama(configFile, {
 // ${custom:thing} throws an error
 ```
 
+**Use cases:**
+- Multi-stage resolution (local resolution, then cloud provider resolves remaining vars)
+- Serverless Framework integration (let framework resolve SSM, CloudFormation refs)
+- Gradual migration (allow unknown types during transition period)
+
+---
+
 ### allowUnresolvedVariables
 
 Controls what happens when a known resolver can't find a value (missing env vars, missing files, etc.).
 
-```js
+**Type:** `boolean | string[]`
+
+**Default:** `false`
+
+**Behavior:**
+
+```javascript
 // Allow ALL unresolved variables to pass through
 const config = await configorama(configFile, {
   allowUnresolvedVariables: true,
@@ -1025,56 +1615,461 @@ const config = await configorama(configFile, {
 // Input:  { paramKey: '${param:x}', fileKey: '${file(missing.yml)}' }
 // Output: { paramKey: '${param:x}', fileKey: '${file(missing.yml)}' }
 
-// Allow only SPECIFIC types to be unresolved
+// Mixed scenario
 const config = await configorama(configFile, {
-  allowUnresolvedVariables: ['param', 'file'],  // only these pass through
+  allowUnresolvedVariables: ['param', 'file'],
   options: { stage: 'prod' }
 })
-// Input:  { key: '${env:MISSING_VAR}', paramKey: '${param:x}', fileKey: '${file(missing.yml)}' }
-// Unresolved ${param:x} and ${file(missing.yml)} pass through but
-// Output error thrown because ${env:MISSING_VAR} throws an error
+// Input:  {
+//   key: '${env:MISSING_VAR}',
+//   paramKey: '${param:x}',
+//   fileKey: '${file(missing.yml)}'
+// }
+// Output: Error thrown because ${env:MISSING_VAR} cannot resolve
+// (param and file pass through, but env vars must resolve)
 ```
 
-This is useful for multi-stage resolution (e.g., Downstream Serverless Dashboard resolves params after local resolution).
+**Important notes:**
+- This option does NOT apply to `self:` or dotProp variables (e.g., `${foo.bar.baz}`)
+- Self-references are local config errors, not external dependencies
+- Useful for multi-stage resolution pipelines
 
-> **Note:** This option does NOT apply to `self:` or dotProp variables (e.g., `${foo.bar.baz}`). These are local references that configorama fully owns—if they can't be resolved, it's a config error, not something to defer to another system.
+**Use cases:**
+- Serverless Dashboard resolves params after local resolution
+- Gradual migration with optional external dependencies
+- Development mode where some services are unavailable
 
-## FAQ
+---
 
-**Q: What happens with circular variable dependencies?**
+### Complete Options Reference
 
-Configorama detects circular dependencies and throws a helpful error instead of hanging forever.
+| Option | Type | Default | Description |
+|--------|------|---------|-------------|
+| `options` | `object` | `{}` | CLI options/flags to populate `${opt:xyz}` variables |
+| `syntax` | `string \| RegExp` | `${...}` | Custom variable syntax regex pattern |
+| `configDir` | `string` | directory of config file | Working directory for relative file paths |
+| `variableSources` | `VariableSource[]` | `[]` | Custom variable sources (see below) |
+| `filters` | `Record<string, Function>` | `{}` | Custom filter functions for pipe operator |
+| `functions` | `Record<string, Function>` | `{}` | Custom functions for `${fn(...)}` syntax |
+| `allowUnknownVariableTypes` | `boolean \| string[]` | `false` | Allow unknown variable types to pass through |
+| `allowUnresolvedVariables` | `boolean \| string[]` | `false` | Allow known types that can't resolve to pass through |
+| `allowUndefinedValues` | `boolean` | `false` | Allow undefined as a valid end result |
+| `returnMetadata` | `boolean` | `false` | Return both config and metadata about variables |
+| `mergeKeys` | `string[]` | `[]` | Keys to merge in arrays of objects |
+| `filePathOverrides` | `Record<string, string>` | `{}` | Map of file paths to override (for testing/mocking) |
+
+**Legacy options (deprecated):**
+
+| Legacy Option | New Equivalent |
+|---------------|----------------|
+| `allowUnknownVars` | `allowUnknownVariableTypes` |
+| `allowUnknownVariables` | `allowUnknownVariableTypes` |
+| `allowUnknownParams` | `allowUnresolvedVariables: ['param']` |
+| `allowUnknownFileRefs` | `allowUnresolvedVariables: ['file']` |
+
+---
 
-```yml
-# Direct cycle - throws error
-a: ${self:b}
-b: ${self:a}
-# Error: Circular variable dependency detected: b → a → b
+## Custom Variable Sources
 
-# Indirect cycle - also detected
-a: ${self:b}
-b: ${self:c}
-c: ${self:a}
-# Error: Circular variable dependency detected: c → a → b → c
+Configorama allows you to bring your own variable sources.
 
-# Works with shorthand syntax too
-foo:
-  bar: ${baz.qux}
-baz:
-  qux: ${foo.bar}
-# Error: Circular variable dependency detected: baz.qux → foo.bar → baz.qux
+### Variable Source Types
+
+The `source` property defines how the config wizard handles each variable type:
+
+| Source | Description | Wizard Behavior | Examples |
+|--------|-------------|-----------------|----------|
+| `'user'` | Values provided by user at runtime | Prompt user for value | `env`, `opt` |
+| `'config'` | Values from config files or self-references | Check existence, can create | `self`, `file`, `text` |
+| `'remote'` | Values from external services | Fetch, prompt if missing, can write back | `ssm`, `vault`, `consul` |
+| `'readonly'` | Computed or system-derived values | Display only, cannot modify | `git`, `cron`, `eval` |
+
+**Built-in variable sources and their types:**
+
+| Variable | Source Type | Description |
+|----------|-------------|-------------|
+| `${env:VAR}` | `user` | Environment variables |
+| `${opt:flag}` | `user` | CLI option flags |
+| `${param:key}` | `user` | Parameter values |
+| `${self:key}` | `config` | Self references |
+| `${file(path)}` | `config` | File references |
+| `${text(path)}` | `config` | Raw text file references |
+| `${git:branch}` | `readonly` | Git repository data |
+| `${cron(expr)}` | `readonly` | Cron expression conversion |
+| `${eval(expr)}` | `readonly` | Math/logic evaluation |
+| `${if(expr)}` | `readonly` | Conditional expressions |
+
+### Creating a Custom Resolver
+
+There are 2 ways to resolve variables from custom sources:
+
+1. **Use built-in JavaScript method** for [sync](https://github.com/DavidWells/configorama/blob/master/tests/syncValues/syncValue.yml) or [async](https://github.com/DavidWells/configorama/blob/master/tests/asyncValues/asyncValue.yml) resolution.
+
+2. **Add your own variable syntax and resolver:**
+
+```javascript
+const configorama = require('configorama')
+
+const config = await configorama('path/to/configFile', {
+  variableSources: [{
+    // Variable type name (used in metadata)
+    type: 'consul',
+
+    // Source type for config wizard behavior
+    source: 'remote',
+
+    // Prefix shown in syntax examples
+    prefix: 'consul',
+
+    // Example syntax for documentation
+    syntax: '${consul:path/to/key}',
+
+    // Description for help text
+    description: 'Resolves values from Consul KV store',
+
+    // Match variables ${consul:xyz}
+    match: RegExp(/^consul:/g),
+
+    // Custom variable source. Must return a promise
+    resolver: async (varToProcess, opts, currentObject) => {
+      // varToProcess = 'consul:path/to/key'
+      const consulPath = varToProcess.replace(/^consul:/, '')
+
+      // Make remote call to consul
+      const consulClient = require('consul')()
+      const result = await consulClient.kv.get(consulPath)
+
+      return result.Value
+    }
+  }]
+})
+
+console.log(config)
 ```
 
-**Q: Why should I use this?**
+**This would match:**
 
-Never rendering a stale configuration file again!
+```yaml
+key: ${consul:path/to/my/key}
+```
+
+**Variable source interface:**
+
+```typescript
+interface VariableSource {
+  type: string                    // Type name (e.g., 'consul', 'ssm')
+  source: 'user' | 'config' | 'remote' | 'readonly'
+  prefix?: string                 // Prefix for examples (defaults to type)
+  syntax: string                  // Example syntax (e.g., '${consul:key}')
+  description?: string            // Help text description
+  match: RegExp                   // Regex to match variables
+  resolver: (                     // Resolution function
+    variable: string,             // Variable string (e.g., 'consul:key')
+    options: object,              // Options from configorama call
+    currentConfig: object         // Current partially-resolved config
+  ) => Promise<any>
+  collectMetadata?: () => any     // Optional: collect custom metadata
+  metadataKey?: string            // Optional: key for custom metadata
+}
+```
+
+**Advanced example with AWS SSM:**
+
+```javascript
+const AWS = require('aws-sdk')
+const ssm = new AWS.SSM()
 
-**Q: Does this work with `serverless.yml`**
+const config = await configorama('config.yml', {
+  variableSources: [{
+    type: 'ssm',
+    source: 'remote',
+    syntax: '${ssm:/path/to/parameter}',
+    description: 'Resolves values from AWS Systems Manager Parameter Store',
+    match: /^ssm:/,
+    resolver: async (variable, options, currentConfig) => {
+      const paramPath = variable.replace(/^ssm:/, '')
+
+      try {
+        const result = await ssm.getParameter({
+          Name: paramPath,
+          WithDecryption: true
+        }).promise()
+
+        return result.Parameter.Value
+      } catch (err) {
+        if (options.allowUnresolvedVariables) {
+          return `\${${variable}}` // Pass through unresolved
+        }
+        throw new Error(`SSM parameter not found: ${paramPath}`)
+      }
+    }
+  }]
+})
+```
+
+```yaml
+# config.yml
+database:
+  password: ${ssm:/myapp/prod/db-password}
+  apiKey: ${ssm:/myapp/prod/api-key}
+```
 
-Yes it does. Using `serverless.js` as your main entry point!
+---
 
-```js
-/* serverless.js */
+## CLI Usage
+
+Configorama includes a CLI tool for resolving configs from the command line.
+
+### Basic Commands
+
+```bash
+# Resolve a config file
+configorama config.yml
+
+# Resolve and write to output file
+configorama config.yml --output resolved.json
+
+# Resolve with CLI options
+configorama config.yml --stage prod --region us-east-1
+
+# Show info about variables
+configorama config.yml --info
+
+# Verify config (check for errors without resolving)
+configorama config.yml --verify
+
+# Extract specific path from config
+configorama config.yml database.host
+
+# Output as YAML
+configorama config.yml --format yaml
+```
+
+### Command Options
+
+```text
+Usage:
+  configorama [options] <file> [path]
+
+Options:
+  -h, --help                Show this help message
+  -v, --version             Show version number
+  -o, --output <file>       Write output to file instead of stdout
+  -f, --format <format>     Output format: json, yaml, or js (default: json)
+  -d, --debug               Enable debug mode
+  -i, --info                Show info about the config
+  -V, --verify              Verify the config
+  --param <key=value>       Pass parameter values (can be used multiple times)
+  --allow-unknown           Allow unknown variables to pass through
+  --allow-undefined         Allow undefined values in the final output
+
+Path Extraction:
+  configorama config.yml database.host    Extract specific value
+  configorama config.yml functions[0]     Extract from array
+```
+
+### CLI Examples
+
+**Basic resolution:**
+
+```bash
+# Input: config.yml
+apiKey: ${env:API_KEY}
+stage: ${opt:stage, 'dev'}
+
+# Command
+export API_KEY=secret123
+configorama config.yml --stage prod
+
+# Output
+{
+  "apiKey": "secret123",
+  "stage": "prod"
+}
+```
+
+**With parameters:**
+
+```bash
+configorama config.yml \
+  --stage prod \
+  --param "domain=myapp.com" \
+  --param "apiKey=secret123"
+```
+
+**Extract specific path:**
+
+```bash
+# config.yml
+database:
+  host: localhost
+  port: 5432
+
+# Extract database.host
+configorama config.yml database.host
+# Output: localhost
+
+# Extract database config as JSON
+configorama config.yml database --format json
+# Output: {"host":"localhost","port":5432}
+```
+
+**Output to file:**
+
+```bash
+configorama config.yml --output resolved.json
+configorama config.yml --output resolved.yml --format yaml
+```
+
+**Show variable info:**
+
+```bash
+configorama config.yml --info
+
+# Output:
+# Found 15 variables
+#   env: 5
+#   opt: 3
+#   self: 4
+#   file: 2
+#   git: 1
+#
+# Required environment variables:
+#   - API_KEY
+#   - DB_HOST
+#   - DB_PASSWORD
+#
+# File dependencies:
+#   - ./secrets.yml
+#   - ./config/database.yml
+```
+
+**Verify without resolving:**
+
+```bash
+configorama config.yml --verify
+
+# Output:
+# ✓ Config structure valid
+# ✓ No circular dependencies
+# ✓ All file references exist
+# ! Warning: 3 environment variables not set
+#   - API_KEY
+#   - DB_HOST
+#   - DB_PASSWORD
+```
+
+---
+
+## Testing
+
+### Running Tests
+
+```bash
+# Run all tests
+npm test
+
+# Run only fast tests (excludes slow tests)
+npm run test:lib
+
+# Run API tests
+npm run test:api
+
+# Run tests in a specific directory
+npm run test:tests
+
+# Run slow tests only
+npm run test:slow
+
+# Watch mode (reruns on file changes)
+npm run watch
+
+# Type checking
+npm run typecheck
+```
+
+### Test Structure
+
+```text
+tests/
+├── _fixtures/           # Shared test fixtures
+├── api/                 # API tests
+├── asyncValues/         # Async function resolution tests
+├── syncValues/          # Sync function resolution tests
+├── cronValues/          # Cron expression tests
+├── gitVariables/        # Git variable tests
+├── filePathOverrides/   # File path override tests
+├── filterTests/         # Filter tests
+├── hclTests/            # Terraform HCL tests
+├── iniTests/            # INI format tests
+├── tomlTests/           # TOML format tests
+├── jsTests/             # JavaScript file tests
+└── ...                  # More test categories
+```
+
+### Writing Tests
+
+Configorama uses the `uvu` test framework. Tests can be run directly with Node.js:
+
+```bash
+# Run a single test file
+node tests/api/api.test.js
+```
+
+**Example test:**
+
+```javascript
+const { test } = require('uvu')
+const assert = require('uvu/assert')
+const path = require('path')
+const configorama = require('../src')
+
+test('resolves environment variables', async () => {
+  process.env.TEST_VAR = 'test-value'
+
+  const config = await configorama({
+    key: '${env:TEST_VAR}'
+  })
+
+  assert.equal(config.key, 'test-value')
+
+  delete process.env.TEST_VAR
+})
+
+test('handles missing env vars with defaults', async () => {
+  const config = await configorama({
+    key: '${env:MISSING_VAR, "default"}'
+  })
+
+  assert.equal(config.key, 'default')
+})
+
+test.run()
+```
+
+**Test utilities available at `tests/utils.js`:**
+
+```javascript
+const { getFixturePath, loadFixture } = require('./tests/utils')
+
+// Get path to fixture file
+const fixturePath = getFixturePath('config.yml')
+
+// Load and parse fixture
+const fixtureData = loadFixture('config.yml')
+```
+
+---
+
+## Deployment
+
+### Using with Serverless Framework
+
+Configorama can be used as a drop-in replacement for the Serverless Framework variable system.
+
+**serverless.js:**
+
+```javascript
 const path = require('path')
 const configorama = require('configorama')
 const args = require('minimist')(process.argv.slice(2))
@@ -1085,73 +2080,752 @@ const yamlFile = path.join(__dirname, 'serverless.config.yml')
 module.exports = configorama.sync(yamlFile, { options: args })
 ```
 
-## Whats new
+**serverless.config.yml:**
 
-How is this different than the serverless variable system?
+```yaml
+service: my-service
 
-1. You can use it with any other tool you'd like. Just include `configorama` and go nuts.
+provider:
+  name: aws
+  runtime: nodejs18.x
+  stage: ${opt:stage, 'dev'}
+  region: ${opt:region, 'us-east-1'}
 
-2. It's pluggable. Add whatever variable syntax/sources you wish.
+  # Environment-specific config
+  environment:
+    STAGE: ${opt:stage}
+    DB_HOST: ${env:DB_HOST}
+    API_KEY: ${ssm:/my-service/${opt:stage}/api-key}
 
-3. Filters! You can filter values before they are resolved.
+custom:
+  # Load stage-specific config
+  stageConfig: ${file(./config/${opt:stage}.yml)}
 
-    ```yml
-    key: ${opt:stage | toUpperCase}
-    ```
+  # Git info for tracking
+  deploymentInfo:
+    branch: ${git:branch}
+    commit: ${git:sha1}
+    timestamp: ${timestamp}
+
+functions:
+  api:
+    handler: handler.api
+    memorySize: ${if(${provider.stage} === 'prod' ? 1024 : 512)}
+    events:
+      - http:
+          path: /
+          method: ANY
+```
 
-4. Cleaner self references
+**Deploy:**
 
-    ```yml
-    keyOne:
-      subKey: hi
+```bash
+# Deploy to dev
+serverless deploy --stage dev
 
-    # Before
-    key: ${self:keyOne.subKey}
+# Deploy to production
+serverless deploy --stage prod --region us-west-2
+```
 
-    # Now
-    key: ${keyOne.subKey}
-    ```
+---
 
-5. Numbers as defaults are supported
+### Docker Deployment
 
-    ```yml
-    key: ${env:whatever, 2}
-    ```
+**Dockerfile:**
 
-6. TOML, YML, JSON, INI etc support
+```dockerfile
+FROM node:18-alpine
 
-    Configorama will work on any configuration format that can be converted into a JS object.
+WORKDIR /app
 
-    Parse any config format and pass it into configorama.
+# Copy package files
+COPY package*.json ./
 
-7. Configorama has a number of built-in functions.
+# Install dependencies
+RUN npm ci --only=production
 
-    Build in functions can be used within expressions as another way to transform and combine values. These are similar to the operators but all follow a common syntax:
+# Copy application files
+COPY . .
 
-    ```
-    <FUNCTION NAME>(<ARGUMENT 1>, <ARGUMENT 2>)
-    ```
+# Set environment variables (can be overridden at runtime)
+ENV NODE_ENV=production
+ENV STAGE=prod
 
-    example:
+# Run config resolution at build time (optional)
+# RUN node -e "require('configorama').sync('./config.yml', { options: { stage: process.env.STAGE } })"
 
+CMD ["node", "index.js"]
+```
+
+**docker-compose.yml:**
+
+```yaml
+version: '3.8'
+
+services:
+  app:
+    build: .
+    environment:
+      - NODE_ENV=production
+      - STAGE=prod
+      - DB_HOST=postgres
+      - DB_PASSWORD=${DB_PASSWORD}
+      - API_KEY=${API_KEY}
+    depends_on:
+      - postgres
+
+  postgres:
+    image: postgres:15
+    environment:
+      POSTGRES_PASSWORD: ${DB_PASSWORD}
+```
+
+**Usage:**
+
+```bash
+# Build
+docker build -t myapp .
+
+# Run with environment variables
+docker run \
+  -e DB_HOST=mydb.example.com \
+  -e DB_PASSWORD=secret \
+  -e API_KEY=abc123 \
+  myapp
+```
+
+---
+
+### CI/CD Integration
+
+**GitHub Actions example (.github/workflows/deploy.yml):**
+
+```yaml
+name: Deploy
+
+on:
+  push:
+    branches: [main]
+
+jobs:
+  deploy:
+    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
+
+    steps:
+      - uses: actions/checkout@v3
+
+      - name: Setup Node.js
+        uses: actions/setup-node@v3
+        with:
+          node-version: '18'
+
+      - name: Install dependencies
+        run: npm ci
+
+      - name: Verify config
+        run: npx configorama config.yml --verify
+        env:
+          STAGE: prod
+          DB_HOST: ${{ secrets.DB_HOST }}
+          DB_PASSWORD: ${{ secrets.DB_PASSWORD }}
+          API_KEY: ${{ secrets.API_KEY }}
+
+      - name: Run tests
+        run: npm test
+
+      - name: Deploy to production
+        run: npm run deploy
+        env:
+          STAGE: prod
+          AWS_ACCESS_KEY_ID: ${{ secrets.AWS_ACCESS_KEY_ID }}
+          AWS_SECRET_ACCESS_KEY: ${{ secrets.AWS_SECRET_ACCESS_KEY }}
+```
+
+**GitLab CI example (.gitlab-ci.yml):**
+
+```yaml
+stages:
+  - verify
+  - test
+  - deploy
+
+verify-config:
+  stage: verify
+  image: node:18
+  script:
+    - npm ci
+    - npx configorama config.yml --verify --stage $CI_ENVIRONMENT_NAME
+  variables:
+    STAGE: $CI_ENVIRONMENT_NAME
+
+test:
+  stage: test
+  image: node:18
+  script:
+    - npm ci
+    - npm test
+
+deploy-production:
+  stage: deploy
+  image: node:18
+  script:
+    - npm ci
+    - npm run deploy
+  environment:
+    name: production
+  only:
+    - main
+  variables:
+    STAGE: prod
+```
+
+---
+
+## Troubleshooting
+
+### Common Issues
+
+**Q: Variable not resolving**
+
+```yaml
+# Problem
+apiKey: ${env:API_KEY}
+# Error: Environment variable 'API_KEY' not found
+```
+
+**Solutions:**
+1. Ensure environment variable is set: `echo $API_KEY`
+2. Check variable name spelling
+3. Use default value: `${env:API_KEY, 'default'}`
+4. Allow unresolved vars: `allowUnresolvedVariables: ['env']`
+
+---
+
+**Q: Circular dependency error**
+
+```yaml
+# Problem
+a: ${self:b}
+b: ${self:a}
+# Error: Circular variable dependency detected: b → a → b
+```
+
+**Solutions:**
+1. Restructure config to remove circular reference
+2. Use intermediate values to break the cycle
+3. Consider if one value should be a constant instead
+
+---
+
+**Q: File not found**
+
+```yaml
+# Problem
+secrets: ${file(./secrets.yml)}
+# Error: File not found: ./secrets.yml
+```
+
+**Solutions:**
+1. Check file path is correct relative to config file
+2. Ensure file exists: `ls -la secrets.yml`
+3. Use absolute path: `${file(/absolute/path/to/secrets.yml)}`
+4. Add default: `${file(./secrets.yml), {}}`
+
+---
+
+**Q: TypeScript file execution fails**
+
+```yaml
+# Problem
+config: ${file(./config.ts)}
+# Error: Cannot find module 'tsx'
+```
+
+**Solutions:**
+1. Install tsx: `npm install tsx --save-dev`
+2. Or install ts-node: `npm install ts-node typescript --save-dev`
+3. Ensure TypeScript file exports correctly: `export = value` or `module.exports = value`
+
+---
+
+**Q: HCL parsing fails**
+
+```yaml
+# Problem
+terraform: ${file(./main.tf)}
+# Error: HCL parsing requires @cdktf/hcl2json
+```
+
+**Solutions:**
+1. Install dependency: `npm install @cdktf/hcl2json`
+2. Ensure HCL file is valid Terraform syntax
+3. Check file extension is `.tf`, `.hcl`, or `.tf.json`
+
+---
+
+### Debug Mode
+
+Enable debug mode to see detailed resolution steps:
+
+**CLI:**
+
+```bash
+configorama config.yml --debug
+```
+
+**Programmatic:**
+
+```javascript
+const config = await configorama('config.yml', {
+  returnMetadata: true
+})
+
+// Inspect resolution history
+console.log(config.resolutionHistory)
+```
+
+**Environment variable:**
+
+```bash
+DEBUG=configorama:* node app.js
+```
+
+**Output example:**
+
+```text
+configorama:resolve Resolving variable: ${env:API_KEY}
+configorama:resolve Type: env, Name: API_KEY
+configorama:resolve Resolved to: secret-key-123
+configorama:resolve Resolving variable: ${opt:stage}
+configorama:resolve Type: opt, Name: stage
+configorama:resolve Resolved to: prod
+```
+
+---
+
+### Circular Dependencies
+
+Configorama detects circular dependencies and provides helpful error messages:
+
+```yaml
+# Direct cycle
+a: ${self:b}
+b: ${self:a}
+```
+
+**Error:**
+```text
+Circular variable dependency detected: b → a → b
+
+Resolution path:
+  1. Started resolving 'b'
+  2. Required 'a' (from ${self:b})
+  3. Required 'b' (from ${self:a})
+  4. Circular dependency detected
+
+To fix this, restructure your config to break the circular reference.
+```
+
+**How to fix:**
+
+1. **Use intermediate values:**
+
+```yaml
+# Before (circular)
+a: ${self:b}
+b: ${self:a}
+
+# After (fixed)
+base: value
+a: ${self:base}
+b: ${self:base}
+```
+
+2. **Make one value a constant:**
+
+```yaml
+# Before (circular)
+apiUrl: ${self:baseUrl}/api
+baseUrl: ${self:apiUrl}/v1
+
+# After (fixed)
+baseUrl: https://example.com
+apiUrl: ${self:baseUrl}/api/v1
+```
+
+3. **Restructure dependencies:**
+
+```yaml
+# Before (circular)
+database:
+  connectionString: postgres://${database.host}:${database.port}/${database.name}
+  host: ${self:database.connectionString}
+
+# After (fixed)
+database:
+  host: localhost
+  port: 5432
+  name: mydb
+  connectionString: postgres://${database.host}:${database.port}/${database.name}
+```
+
+---
+
+## FAQ
+
+**Q: What happens with circular variable dependencies?**
+
+Configorama detects circular dependencies and throws a helpful error instead of hanging forever. See [Circular Dependencies](#circular-dependencies) section for examples and fixes.
+
+---
+
+**Q: Why should I use this?**
+
+Never render a stale configuration file again! Configorama ensures your configs are always up-to-date with the latest environment variables, CLI flags, file contents, and custom sources.
+
+---
+
+**Q: Does this work with `serverless.yml`?**
+
+Yes! Use `serverless.js` as your main entry point. See [Using with Serverless Framework](#using-with-serverless-framework) for full example.
+
+---
+
+**Q: Can I use this with other frameworks/tools?**
+
+Yes! Configorama is framework-agnostic. It works with any tool that accepts a JavaScript object or can import a .js file. Examples:
+
+- **Webpack**: `webpack.config.js`
+- **Vite**: `vite.config.js`
+- **Jest**: `jest.config.js`
+- **ESLint**: `eslint.config.js`
+- **Docker Compose**: Generate yaml from resolved config
+- **Kubernetes**: Generate manifests from resolved config
+
+---
+
+**Q: How do I handle secrets securely?**
+
+Best practices:
+
+1. **Use environment variables:**
+```yaml
+apiKey: ${env:API_KEY}
+```
+
+2. **Fetch from secret managers:**
+```yaml
+secrets: ${file(./fetch-secrets.js)}
+```
+
+```javascript
+// fetch-secrets.js
+const AWS = require('aws-sdk')
+const ssm = new AWS.SSM()
+
+module.exports = async () => {
+  const result = await ssm.getParameter({
+    Name: '/myapp/api-key',
+    WithDecryption: true
+  }).promise()
+
+  return result.Parameter.Value
+}
+```
+
+3. **Never commit secrets to version control**
+4. **Use `.gitignore` for secret files**
+5. **Rotate secrets regularly**
+
+---
+
+**Q: Can I use variables in variable syntax?**
+
+Yes! Variables are resolved recursively:
+
+```yaml
+stage: prod
+configFile: config-${stage}.yml
+config: ${file(${configFile})}
+# Resolves: ${file(config-prod.yml)}
+```
+
+---
+
+**Q: How do I migrate from Serverless Framework variables?**
+
+Configorama is mostly compatible with Serverless Framework variable syntax. Key differences:
+
+1. **Cleaner self-references:**
+```yaml
+# Serverless
+key: ${self:other.key}
+
+# Configorama (both work)
+key: ${self:other.key}
+key: ${other.key}
+```
+
+2. **Numbers as defaults:**
+```yaml
+# Configorama supports numeric defaults
+timeout: ${env:TIMEOUT, 30}
+```
+
+3. **Additional variable types:**
+- `${cron()}` - Cron expressions
+- `${eval()}` - Math expressions
+- `${if()}` - Conditionals
+- `${git:}` - Git data
+
+---
+
+## Advanced Usage
+
+### Multi-Stage Resolution
+
+Resolve configs in multiple stages, allowing external systems to handle remaining variables:
+
+```javascript
+// Stage 1: Local resolution (resolve env, opt, file, etc.)
+const partiallyResolved = await configorama('config.yml', {
+  options: { stage: 'prod' },
+  allowUnresolvedVariables: ['ssm', 'cf'],
+  allowUnknownVariableTypes: ['ssm', 'cf']
+})
+
+// Stage 2: External system resolves SSM and CloudFormation refs
+// (e.g., Serverless Dashboard, AWS CloudFormation, etc.)
+const fullyResolved = await externalResolver(partiallyResolved)
+```
+
+**Use case:** Serverless Framework + Serverless Dashboard workflow.
+
+---
+
+### Function Arguments and Context
+
+Pass dynamic data from your config to JavaScript/TypeScript functions:
+
+```yaml
+environment: prod
+region: us-east-1
+features:
+  enableMetrics: true
+
+# Pass resolved config values as arguments
+secrets: ${file(./get-secrets.js, ${environment}, ${region}, ${features})}
+```
+
+**get-secrets.js:**
+
+```javascript
+async function getSecrets(env, region, features, ctx) {
+  // Arguments from YAML
+  console.log(env)      // 'prod'
+  console.log(region)   // 'us-east-1'
+  console.log(features) // { enableMetrics: true }
+
+  // Context (always last argument)
+  console.log(ctx.options)        // CLI options
+  console.log(ctx.originalConfig) // Original config
+  console.log(ctx.currentConfig)  // Partially resolved config
+
+  // Fetch secrets based on arguments
+  if (env === 'prod') {
+    return await fetchProdSecrets(region)
+  }
+
+  return await fetchDevSecrets()
+}
+
+module.exports = getSecrets
+```
+
+---
+
+### Programmatic Usage
+
+**Custom variable resolver:**
+
+```javascript
+const configorama = require('configorama')
+
+// Add custom AWS SSM resolver
+const config = await configorama('config.yml', {
+  variableSources: [{
+    type: 'ssm',
+    source: 'remote',
+    syntax: '${ssm:/path}',
+    description: 'AWS Systems Manager Parameter Store',
+    match: /^ssm:/,
+    resolver: async (variable) => {
+      const AWS = require('aws-sdk')
+      const ssm = new AWS.SSM()
+
+      const paramName = variable.replace(/^ssm:/, '')
+      const result = await ssm.getParameter({
+        Name: paramName,
+        WithDecryption: true
+      }).promise()
+
+      return result.Parameter.Value
+    }
+  }]
+})
+```
+
+**Custom filters:**
+
+```javascript
+const config = await configorama('config.yml', {
+  filters: {
+    // Custom string transformation
+    slugify: (str) => str.toLowerCase().replace(/\s+/g, '-'),
+
+    // Custom formatting
+    currency: (amount) => `$${parseFloat(amount).toFixed(2)}`,
+
+    // Chained filters work
+    upperSnake: (str) => str.toUpperCase().replace(/\s+/g, '_')
+  }
+})
+```
+
+```yaml
+# Usage
+projectName: My Awesome Project
+slug: ${projectName | slugify}  # 'my-awesome-project'
+
+price: 19.99
+displayPrice: ${price | currency}  # '$19.99'
+
+constantName: my constant
+constName: ${constantName | upperSnake}  # 'MY_CONSTANT'
+```
+
+**Custom functions:**
+
+```javascript
+const config = await configorama('config.yml', {
+  functions: {
+    // Timestamp generator
+    timestamp: () => new Date().toISOString(),
+
+    // Random ID generator
+    uuid: () => require('crypto').randomUUID(),
+
+    // Environment-based selector
+    selectByEnv: (prodValue, devValue, env) => {
+      return env === 'prod' ? prodValue : devValue
+    }
+  }
+})
+```
+
+```yaml
+# Usage
+createdAt: ${timestamp()}
+id: ${uuid()}
+
+environment: ${opt:stage, 'dev'}
+timeout: ${selectByEnv(30, 5, ${environment})}
+```
+
+---
+
+## What's New
+
+How is this different than the Serverless Framework variable system?
+
+1. **Framework-agnostic** - Use with any tool, not just Serverless Framework
+
+2. **Pluggable** - Add custom variable syntax and sources easily
+
+3. **Filters** - Transform values before resolution:
+   ```yaml
+   key: ${opt:stage | toUpperCase}
+   ```
+
+4. **Cleaner self-references** - No need for `self:` prefix:
+   ```yaml
+   keyOne:
+     subKey: hi
+
+   # Before
+   key: ${self:keyOne.subKey}
+
+   # Now (both work)
+   key: ${keyOne.subKey}
+   key: ${self:keyOne.subKey}
+   ```
+
+5. **Numbers as defaults** - Numeric defaults fully supported:
+   ```yaml
+   timeout: ${env:TIMEOUT, 30}
+   port: ${opt:port, 3000}
+   ```
+
+6. **Multiple format support** - TOML, YML, JSON, INI, HCL, etc.
+
+7. **Built-in functions** - Combine and transform values:
+   ```yaml
+   merged: ${merge(${obj1}, ${obj2})}
+   ```
+
+8. **TypeScript support** - Execute TypeScript files directly:
+   ```yaml
+   config: ${file(./config.ts)}
+   ```
+
+9. **Conditional expressions** - If/else logic in configs:
+   ```yaml
+   memory: ${if(${stage} === 'prod' ? 1024 : 512)}
+   ```
+
+10. **Metadata extraction** - Analyze configs without resolving:
+    ```javascript
+    const meta = await configorama.analyze('config.yml')
     ```
-    ${merge('one', 'two')} => 'onetwo'
-    ```
 
-## Alt libs
+---
+
+## Alternative Libraries
+
+- [sls-yaml](https://github.com/01alchemist/sls-yaml) - YAML with variable support
+- [yaml-boost](https://github.com/blackflux/yaml-boost) - YAML preprocessing
+- [serverless-merge-config](https://github.com/CruGlobal/serverless-merge-config) - Merge Serverless configs
+- [serverless-terraform-variables](https://www.npmjs.com/package/serverless-terraform-variables) - Terraform variable support
 
-- https://github.com/01alchemist/sls-yaml
+---
 
 ## Inspiration
 
-This is forked out of the [serverless framework](https://github.com/serverless/serverless/) variable system.
+This is forked from the [Serverless Framework](https://github.com/serverless/serverless/) variable system.
 
 **Mad props to:**
 
 [erikerikson](https://github.com/erikerikson), [eahefnawy](https://github.com/eahefnawy), [HyperBrain](https://github.com/HyperBrain), [ac360](https://github.com/ac360), [gcphost](https://github.com/gcphost), [pmuens](https://github.com/pmuens), [horike37](https://github.com/horike37), [lorengordon](https://github.com/lorengordon), [AndrewFarley](https://github.com/AndrewFarley), [tobyhede](https://github.com/tobyhede), [johncmckim](https://github.com/johncmckim), [mangas](https://github.com/mangas), [e-e-e](https://github.com/e-e-e), [BasileTrujillo](https://github.com/BasileTrujillo), [miltador](https://github.com/miltador), [sammarks](https://github.com/sammarks), [RafalWilinski](https://github.com/RafalWilinski), [indieisaconcept](https://github.com/indieisaconcept), [svdgraaf](https://github.com/svdgraaf), [infiniteluke](https://github.com/infiniteluke), [j0k3r](https://github.com/j0k3r), [craigw](https://github.com/craigw), [bsdkurt](https://github.com/bsdkurt), [aoskotsky-amplify](https://github.com/aoskotsky-amplify), and all the other folks who contributed to the variable system.
 
-Additionally these tools were very helpful:
+**Additionally these tools were very helpful:**
 
 - [yaml-boost](https://github.com/blackflux/yaml-boost)
 - [serverless-merge-config](https://github.com/CruGlobal/serverless-merge-config)
-- [terraform variables](https://www.npmjs.com/package/serverless-terraform-variables)
+- [serverless-terraform-variables](https://www.npmjs.com/package/serverless-terraform-variables)
+
+---
+
+## License
+
+MIT © [David Wells](https://davidwells.io)
+
+## Contributing
+
+Contributions welcome! Please read the [contributing guidelines](CONTRIBUTING.md) first.
+
+## Support
+
+- 🐛 [Report bugs](https://github.com/DavidWells/configorama/issues)
+- 💡 [Request features](https://github.com/DavidWells/configorama/issues)
+- 📖 [Read the docs](https://github.com/DavidWells/configorama#readme)
+- 💬 [Join discussions](https://github.com/DavidWells/configorama/discussions)