web.config file

[aaryan]

hi everybody,
i just have a theoretical doubt.
when grid vu and sql datasource is used, i happen to see in many examples that a web.config file is used. in sql data source the connection string is just given as <%$connectionst rings:Pubs%>. (without a full connection string)
in web.config file there are many connection strings given which includes other databases also. can anyone tell me what exactly is this web.config file is for.
also abt machine.config?
and If we remove web.config or machine.config from the application then, will the application still work?
thanks in advance.
my search in google gives all complex explanation.
so pls cd anyof you put it simple so that i understand them.

[GNoter]

machine.config contains configuration information specific to the machine (server). changes to this file affect all .NET applications, and other programs, running on that machine.

Web.config contains configuration information specific to the .NET application (web application). changes to this file affect only the .NET application of the folder it resites in, other programs are not affected.

You don't want to remove either, especially machine.config.

Both files use "XML"-like formats. If you are not familiar with XML, read up on it a bit.