A method is provided for parsing a configuration file. The method comprises determining whether an element in a sequence of configuration file elements is a type of element expected at the configuration file element's position in the sequence; when the configuration file element is not the expected type, consulting a set of rules for handling unexpected configuration file elements; and following a rule in the rule set. The rules cause different actions to be taken at a given position in the configuration file at different times of executing the method for parsing. One of the rules specifies that subsequent configuration file elements in the sequence are to be analyzed and, if at least one subsequent configuration file element is an expected type, the at least one subsequent configuration file element is to be considered valid and is to be parsed in a manner appropriate for the subsequent configuration file element.