An online content management system enables rapid application development by an application developer using an application development system to create a content application configured to execute on a client device. A designated folder on the application development system is designated for sharing with the client device. Configuration data containing parameters for controlling the operation of the content application is stored in the designated folder. The content application on the client device reads the configuration data from the designated location and applies the parameters on execution and thereafter. When the configuration data is modified on the application development system, the modified data is synchronized by the content management system to the client device. The content application on the client device reads the modified configuration data and applies the modified parameters during execution.