This EPIC tracks the configuration file improvements for Podman 6, which redesigns configuration file handling for better client/server approach and unified parsing.

As part of Podman 6's major changes, configuration file handling will be significantly improved to provide better inheritance, order of configuration settings, and unified parsing across different components.

This work includes:

• Redesigning configuration file handling for better client/server approach
• Unifying parsing of configuration files across components
• Improving inheritance and order of configuration settings
• Ensuring backwards compatibility where appropriate
• Updating documentation and migration guides

This EPIC is part of the broader Podman 6 initiative targeting Spring 2026 with Fedora 44.

Individual stories will be created under this EPIC to track specific configuration file improvements and changes.