Use RawConfigParser.get{int,bool,float} whenever possible

config.get('option', 'value').lower() == 'value' is just ugly and
stupid, especially for bool.

One if in basetabs:556 was also missing a comparison, leading to True
whenever the option was set.

12 files changed, 137 insertions, 139 deletions

diff --git a/src/bookmark.py b/src/bookmark.py
index a68cc27a..98bfecc4 100644
--- a/src/bookmark.py
+++ b/src/bookmark.py
@@ -157,7 +157,7 @@ def save_local():
 def save(xmpp, core=None):
     """Save all the bookmarks."""
     save_local()
-    if config.get('use_remote_bookmarks', 'true').lower() != 'false':
+    if config.get('use_remote_bookmarks', True):
         preferred = config.get('use_bookmarks_method', 'privatexml')
         if not save_remote(xmpp, method=preferred) and core:
             core.information('Could not save bookmarks.', 'Error')
diff --git a/src/config.py b/src/config.py
index a51637bb..79a70bb5 100644
--- a/src/config.py
+++ b/src/config.py
@@ -24,7 +24,6 @@ from os import environ, makedirs, path, remove
 from shutil import copy2
 from args import parse_args
 
-
 class Config(RawConfigParser):
     """
     load/save the config to a file
@@ -62,16 +61,12 @@ class Config(RawConfigParser):
                 res = self.getboolean(option, section)
             else:
                 res = self.getstr(option, section)
-        except (NoOptionError, NoSectionError):
+        except (NoOptionError, NoSectionError, ValueError, AttributeError) as e:
+            return default
+        if res is None:
             return default
         return res
 
-    def getl(self, option, default, section=DEFSECTION):
-        """
-        get a value and return it lowercase
-        """
-        return self.get(option, default, section).lower()
-
     def get_by_tabname(self, option, default, tabname, fallback=True, fallback_server=True):
         """
         Try to get the value for the option. First we look in
@@ -104,11 +99,17 @@ class Config(RawConfigParser):
         return default
 
 
-    def __get(self, option, section=DEFSECTION):
+    def __get(self, option, section=DEFSECTION, **kwargs):
         """
         facility for RawConfigParser.get
         """
-        return RawConfigParser.get(self, section, option)
+        return RawConfigParser.get(self, section, option, **kwargs)
+
+    def _get(self, section, conv, option, **kwargs):
+        """
+        Redirects RawConfigParser._get
+        """
+        return conv(self.__get(option, section, **kwargs))
 
     def getstr(self, option, section=DEFSECTION):
         """
@@ -120,16 +121,13 @@ class Config(RawConfigParser):
         """
         get a value and returns it as an int
         """
-        try:
-            return int(self.__get(option, section))
-        except ValueError:
-            return -1
+        RawConfigParser.getint(self, section, option)
 
     def getfloat(self, option, section=DEFSECTION):
         """
         get a value and returns it as a float
         """
-        return float(self.__get(option, section))
+        return RawConfigParser.getfloat(self, section, option)
 
     def getboolean(self, option, section=DEFSECTION):
         """
@@ -209,12 +207,15 @@ class Config(RawConfigParser):
         # or it is not a bool.
         if value == "toggle":
             current = self.get(option, "", section)
-            if current.lower() == "false":
-                value = "true"
-            elif current.lower() == "true":
-                value = "false"
+            if isinstance(current, bool):
+                value = str(not current)
             else:
-                return (_("Could not toggle option: %s. Current value is %s.") % (option, current or _("empty")), 'Warning')
+                if current.lower() == "false":
+                    value = "true"
+                elif current.lower() == "true":
+                    value = "false"
+                else:
+                    return (_("Could not toggle option: %s. Current value is %s.") % (option, current or _("empty")), 'Warning')
         if self.has_section(section):
             RawConfigParser.set(self, section, option, value)
         else:
@@ -313,7 +314,7 @@ LOGGING_CONFIG = {
             'level': 'DEBUG',
     }
 }
-if config.get('log_errors', 'true').lower() != 'false':
+if config.get('log_errors', True):
     LOGGING_CONFIG['root']['handlers'].append('error')
     LOGGING_CONFIG['handlers']['error'] = {
             'level': 'ERROR',
diff --git a/src/connection.py b/src/connection.py
index fed43d88..3010a9fe 100644
--- a/src/connection.py
+++ b/src/connection.py
@@ -50,7 +50,7 @@ class Connection(sleekxmpp.ClientXMPP):
         # TODO: use the system language
         sleekxmpp.ClientXMPP.__init__(self, jid, password, lang=config.get('lang', 'en'))
 
-        force_encryption = config.get('force_encryption', 'true').lower() != 'false'
+        force_encryption = config.get('force_encryption', True)
         if force_encryption:
             self['feature_mechanisms'].unencrypted_plain = False
             self['feature_mechanisms'].unencrypted_digest = False
@@ -58,7 +58,7 @@ class Connection(sleekxmpp.ClientXMPP):
             self['feature_mechanisms'].unencrypted_scram = False
 
         self.core = None
-        self.auto_reconnect = True if config.get('auto_reconnect', 'false').lower() in ('true', '1') else False
+        self.auto_reconnect = config.get('auto_reconnect', False)
         self.reconnect_max_attempts = 0
         self.auto_authorize = None
         # prosody defaults, lowest is AES128-SHA, it should be a minimum
@@ -88,32 +88,32 @@ class Connection(sleekxmpp.ClientXMPP):
         self.register_plugin('xep_0199')
         self.set_keepalive_values()
 
-        if config.get('enable_user_tune', 'true') != 'false':
+        if config.get('enable_user_tune', True):
             self.register_plugin('xep_0118')
 
-        if config.get('enable_user_nick', 'true') != 'false':
+        if config.get('enable_user_nick', True):
             self.register_plugin('xep_0172')
 
-        if config.get('enable_user_mood', 'true') != 'false':
+        if config.get('enable_user_mood', True):
             self.register_plugin('xep_0107')
 
-        if config.get('enable_user_activity', 'true') != 'false':
+        if config.get('enable_user_activity', True):
             self.register_plugin('xep_0108')
 
-        if config.get('enable_user_gaming', 'true') != 'false':
+        if config.get('enable_user_gaming', True):
             self.register_plugin('xep_0196')
 
-        if config.get('send_poezio_info', 'true') == 'true':
+        if config.get('send_poezio_info', True):
             info = {'name':'poezio',
                     'version': options.version}
-            if config.get('send_os_info', 'true') == 'true':
+            if config.get('send_os_info', True):
                 info['os'] = common.get_os_info()
             self.plugin['xep_0030'].set_identities(identities=set([('client', 'pc', None,'Poezio')]))
         else:
             info = {'name': '', 'version': ''}
             self.plugin['xep_0030'].set_identities(identities=set([('client', 'pc', None,'')]))
         self.register_plugin('xep_0092', pconfig=info)
-        if config.get('send_time', 'true') == 'true':
+        if config.get('send_time', True):
             self.register_plugin('xep_0202')
         self.register_plugin('xep_0224')
         self.register_plugin('xep_0280')
diff --git a/src/core.py b/src/core.py
index ddf2c3a1..c3ae2ef8 100644
--- a/src/core.py
+++ b/src/core.py
@@ -165,7 +165,7 @@ class Core(object):
         self.register_initial_commands()
 
         # We are invisible
-        if config.get('send_initial_presence', 'true').lower() == 'false':
+        if not config.get('send_initial_presence', True):
             del self.commands['status']
             del self.commands['show']
 
@@ -266,15 +266,15 @@ class Core(object):
         self.xmpp.add_event_handler("ssl_cert", self.validate_ssl)
         self.all_stanzas = Callback('custom matcher', connection.MatchAll(None), self.incoming_stanza)
         self.xmpp.register_handler(self.all_stanzas)
-        if config.get('enable_user_tune', 'true') != 'false':
+        if config.get('enable_user_tune', True):
             self.xmpp.add_event_handler("user_tune_publish", self.on_tune_event)
-        if config.get('enable_user_nick', 'true') != 'false':
+        if config.get('enable_user_nick', True):
             self.xmpp.add_event_handler("user_nick_publish", self.on_nick_received)
-        if config.get('enable_user_mood', 'true') != 'false':
+        if config.get('enable_user_mood', True):
             self.xmpp.add_event_handler("user_mood_publish", self.on_mood_event)
-        if config.get('enable_user_activity', 'true') != 'false':
+        if config.get('enable_user_activity', True):
             self.xmpp.add_event_handler("user_activity_publish", self.on_activity_event)
-        if config.get('enable_user_gaming', 'true') != 'false':
+        if config.get('enable_user_gaming', True):
             self.xmpp.add_event_handler("user_gaming_publish", self.on_gaming_event)
 
         self.initial_joins = []
@@ -399,11 +399,11 @@ class Core(object):
         (and only roster UI things are not yet saved)
         """
         log.debug("Either SIGHUP or SIGTERM received. Exiting…")
-        if config.get('enable_user_mood', 'true') != 'false':
+        if config.get('enable_user_mood', True):
             self.xmpp.plugin['xep_0107'].stop(block=False)
-        if config.get('enable_user_activity', 'true') != 'false':
+        if config.get('enable_user_activity', True):
             self.xmpp.plugin['xep_0108'].stop(block=False)
-        if config.get('enable_user_gaming', 'true') != 'false':
+        if config.get('enable_user_gaming', True):
             self.xmpp.plugin['xep_0196'].stop(block=False)
         self.plugin_manager.disable_plugins()
         self.disconnect('')
@@ -627,7 +627,7 @@ class Core(object):
         work. If you try to do anything else, your |, [, <<, etc will be
         interpreted as normal command arguments, not shell special tokens.
         """
-        if config.get('exec_remote', 'false') == 'true':
+        if config.get('exec_remote', False):
             # We just write the command in the fifo
             if not self.remote_fifo:
                 try:
@@ -711,7 +711,7 @@ class Core(object):
         or to use it when joining a new muc)
         """
         self.status = Status(show=pres, message=msg)
-        if config.get('save_status', 'true').lower() != 'false':
+        if config.get('save_status', True):
             if not config.silent_set('status', pres if pres else '') or \
                     not config.silent_set('status_message', msg.replace('\n', '|') if msg else ''):
                 self.information(_('Unable to write in the config file'), 'Error')
@@ -916,7 +916,7 @@ class Core(object):
             return False
         elif not self.tabs[old_pos]:
             return False
-        if config.get('create_gaps', 'false').lower() == 'true':
+        if config.get('create_gaps', False):
             return self.insert_tab_gaps(old_pos, new_pos)
         return self.insert_tab_nogaps(old_pos, new_pos)
 
@@ -1136,7 +1136,7 @@ class Core(object):
         del tab.commands      # and make the object collectable
         tab.on_close()
         nb = tab.nb
-        if config.get('create_gaps', 'false').lower() == 'true':
+        if config.get('create_gaps', False):
             if nb >= len(self.tabs) - 1:
                 self.tabs.remove(tab)
                 nb -= 1
@@ -1370,8 +1370,8 @@ class Core(object):
         """
         Enable/disable the left panel.
         """
-        enabled = config.get('enable_vertical_tab_list', 'false')
-        if not config.silent_set('enable_vertical_tab_list', 'false' if enabled == 'true' else 'true'):
+        enabled = config.get('enable_vertical_tab_list', False)
+        if not config.silent_set('enable_vertical_tab_list', str(not enabled)):
             self.information(_('Unable to write in the config file'), 'Error')
         self.call_for_resize()
 
@@ -1389,7 +1389,7 @@ class Core(object):
         """
         with g_lock:
             self.tab_win.resize(1, tabs.Tab.width, tabs.Tab.height - 2, 0)
-            if config.get('enable_vertical_tab_list', 'false') == 'true':
+            if config.get('enable_vertical_tab_list', False):
                 height, width = self.stdscr.getmaxyx()
                 truncated_win = self.stdscr.subwin(height, config.get('vertical_tab_list_size', 20), 0, 0)
                 self.left_tab_win = windows.VerticalGlobalInfoBar(truncated_win)
@@ -1421,7 +1421,7 @@ class Core(object):
         # window to each Tab class, so the draw themself in the portion
         # of the screen that the can occupy, and we draw the tab list
         # on the left remaining space
-        if config.get('enable_vertical_tab_list', 'false') == 'true':
+        if config.get('enable_vertical_tab_list', False):
             with g_lock:
                 scr = self.stdscr.subwin(0, config.get('vertical_tab_list_size', 20))
         else:
@@ -1431,7 +1431,7 @@ class Core(object):
         self.resize_global_information_win()
         with g_lock:
             for tab in self.tabs:
-                if config.get('lazy_resize', 'true') == 'true':
+                if config.get('lazy_resize', True):
                     tab.need_resize = True
                 else:
                     tab.resize()
@@ -2053,7 +2053,7 @@ class Core(object):
         /bookmark [room][/nick] [autojoin] [password]
         """
 
-        if config.get('use_remote_bookmarks', 'true').lower() == 'false':
+        if not config.get('use_remote_bookmarks', True):
             self.command_bookmark_local(arg)
             return
         args = common.shell_split(arg)
@@ -2464,11 +2464,11 @@ class Core(object):
             msg = arg
         else:
             msg = None
-        if config.get('enable_user_mood', 'true') != 'false':
+        if config.get('enable_user_mood', True):
             self.xmpp.plugin['xep_0107'].stop(block=False)
-        if config.get('enable_user_activity', 'true') != 'false':
+        if config.get('enable_user_activity', True):
             self.xmpp.plugin['xep_0108'].stop(block=False)
-        if config.get('enable_user_gaming', 'true') != 'false':
+        if config.get('enable_user_gaming', True):
             self.xmpp.plugin['xep_0196'].stop(block=False)
         self.save_config()
         self.plugin_manager.disable_plugins()
@@ -2817,21 +2817,21 @@ class Core(object):
                 shortdesc=_('Get the activity of someone.'),
                 completion=self.completion_last_activity)
 
-        if config.get('enable_user_mood', 'true') != 'false':
+        if config.get('enable_user_mood', True):
             self.register_command('activity', self.command_activity,
                     usage='[<general> [specific] [text]]',
                     desc=_('Send your current activity to your contacts (use the completion).'
                            ' Nothing means "stop broadcasting an activity".'),
                     shortdesc=_('Send your activity.'),
                     completion=self.completion_activity)
-        if config.get('enable_user_activity', 'true') != 'false':
+        if config.get('enable_user_activity', True):
             self.register_command('mood', self.command_mood,
                     usage='[<mood> [text]]',
                     desc=_('Send your current mood to your contacts (use the completion).'
                            ' Nothing means "stop broadcasting a mood".'),
                     shortdesc=_('Send your mood.'),
                     completion=self.completion_mood)
-        if config.get('enable_user_gaming', 'true') != 'false':
+        if config.get('enable_user_gaming', True):
             self.register_command('gaming', self.command_gaming,
                     usage='[<game name> [server address]]',
                     desc=_('Send your current gaming activity to your contacts.'
@@ -2851,7 +2851,7 @@ class Core(object):
             features = iq['disco_info']['features']
             rostertab = self.get_tab_by_name('Roster')
             rostertab.check_blocking(features)
-            if (config.get('enable_carbons', 'true').lower() != 'false' and
+            if (config.get('enable_carbons', True) and
                     'urn:xmpp:carbons:2' in features):
                 self.xmpp.plugin['xep_0280'].enable()
                 self.xmpp.add_event_handler('carbon_received', self.on_carbon_received)
@@ -2939,7 +2939,7 @@ class Core(object):
         elif message['type'] == 'headline' and message['body']:
             return self.information('%s says: %s' % (message['from'], message['body']), 'Headline')
 
-        use_xhtml = config.get('enable_xhtml_im', 'true') == 'true'
+        use_xhtml = config.get('enable_xhtml_im', True)
         body = xhtml.get_body_from_message_stanza(message, use_xhtml=use_xhtml)
         if not body:
             return
@@ -2954,7 +2954,7 @@ class Core(object):
             if conv_jid.bare in roster:
                 remote_nick = roster[conv_jid.bare].name
             # check for a received nick
-            if not remote_nick and config.get('enable_user_nick', 'true') != 'false':
+            if not remote_nick and config.get('enable_user_nick', True):
                 if message.xml.find('{http://jabber.org/protocol/nick}nick') is not None:
                     remote_nick = message['nick']['nick']
             own = False
@@ -2988,7 +2988,7 @@ class Core(object):
         def try_modify():
             replaced_id = message['replace']['id']
             if replaced_id and (config.get_by_tabname('group_corrections',
-                'true', conv_jid.bare).lower() != 'false'):
+                True, conv_jid.bare)):
                 try:
                     conversation.modify_message(body, replaced_id, message['id'], jid=jid,
                             nickname=remote_nick)
@@ -3012,7 +3012,7 @@ class Core(object):
             else:
                 conversation.remote_wants_chatstates = False
         if 'private' in config.get('beep_on', 'highlight private').split():
-            if config.get_by_tabname('disable_beep', 'false', conv_jid.bare, False).lower() != 'true':
+            if not config.get_by_tabname('disable_beep', False, conv_jid.bare, False):
                 curses.beep()
         if self.current_tab() is not conversation:
             conversation.state = 'private'
@@ -3062,7 +3062,7 @@ class Core(object):
         if contact.gaming:
             logger.log_roster_change(contact.bare_jid, 'is playing %s' % (common.format_gaming_string(contact.gaming)))
 
-        if old_gaming != contact.gaming and config.get_by_tabname('display_gaming_notifications', 'false', contact.bare_jid) == 'true':
+        if old_gaming != contact.gaming and config.get_by_tabname('display_gaming_notifications', False, contact.bare_jid):
             if contact.gaming:
                 self.information('%s is playing %s' % (contact.bare_jid, common.format_gaming_string(contact.gaming)), 'Gaming')
             else:
@@ -3095,7 +3095,7 @@ class Core(object):
         if contact.mood:
             logger.log_roster_change(contact.bare_jid, 'has now the mood: %s' % contact.mood)
 
-        if old_mood != contact.mood and config.get_by_tabname('display_mood_notifications', 'false', contact.bare_jid) == 'true':
+        if old_mood != contact.mood and config.get_by_tabname('display_mood_notifications', False, contact.bare_jid):
             if contact.mood:
                 self.information('Mood from '+ contact.bare_jid + ': ' + contact.mood, 'Mood')
             else:
@@ -3134,7 +3134,7 @@ class Core(object):
         if contact.activity:
             logger.log_roster_change(contact.bare_jid, 'has now the activity %s' % contact.activity)
 
-        if old_activity != contact.activity and config.get_by_tabname('display_activity_notifications', 'false', contact.bare_jid) == 'true':
+        if old_activity != contact.activity and config.get_by_tabname('display_activity_notifications', False, contact.bare_jid):
             if contact.activity:
                 self.information('Activity from '+ contact.bare_jid + ': ' + contact.activity, 'Activity')
             else:
@@ -3168,7 +3168,7 @@ class Core(object):
         if contact.tune:
             logger.log_roster_change(message['from'].bare, 'is now listening to %s' % common.format_tune_string(contact.tune))
 
-        if old_tune != contact.tune and config.get_by_tabname('display_tune_notifications', 'false', contact.bare_jid) == 'true':
+        if old_tune != contact.tune and config.get_by_tabname('display_tune_notifications', False, contact.bare_jid):
             if contact.tune:
                 self.information(
                         'Tune from '+ message['from'].bare + ': ' + common.format_tune_string(contact.tune),
@@ -3198,7 +3198,7 @@ class Core(object):
             return
 
         self.events.trigger('muc_msg', message, tab)
-        use_xhtml = config.get('enable_xhtml_im', 'true') == 'true'
+        use_xhtml = config.get('enable_xhtml_im', True)
         body = xhtml.get_body_from_message_stanza(message, use_xhtml=use_xhtml)
         if not body:
             return
@@ -3208,7 +3208,7 @@ class Core(object):
         replaced_id = message['replace']['id']
         replaced = False
         if replaced_id is not '' and (config.get_by_tabname(
-            'group_corrections', 'true', message['from'].bare).lower() != 'false'):
+            'group_corrections', True, message['from'].bare)):
             try:
                 if tab.modify_message(body, replaced_id, message['id'], time=date,
                         nickname=nick_from, user=user):
@@ -3233,7 +3233,7 @@ class Core(object):
             self.doupdate()
 
         if 'message' in config.get('beep_on', 'highlight private').split():
-            if config.get_by_tabname('disable_beep', 'false', room_from, False).lower() != 'true':
+            if not config.get_by_tabname('disable_beep', False, room_from, False):
                 curses.beep()
 
     def on_muc_own_nickchange(self, muc):
@@ -3252,11 +3252,10 @@ class Core(object):
             return self.on_groupchat_message(message)
 
         room_from = jid.bare
-        use_xhtml = config.get('enable_xhtml_im', 'true') == 'true'
+        use_xhtml = config.get('enable_xhtml_im', True)
         body = xhtml.get_body_from_message_stanza(message, use_xhtml=use_xhtml)
         tab = self.get_tab_by_name(jid.full, tabs.PrivateTab) # get the tab with the private conversation
-        ignore = config.get_by_tabname('ignore_private', 'false',
-                room_from).lower() == 'true'
+        ignore = config.get_by_tabname('ignore_private', False, room_from)
         if not tab: # It's the first message we receive: create the tab
             if body and not ignore:
                 tab = self.open_private_window(room_from, nick_from, False)
@@ -3274,7 +3273,7 @@ class Core(object):
         replaced = False
         user = tab.parent_muc.get_user_by_name(nick_from)
         if replaced_id is not '' and (config.get_by_tabname(
-            'group_corrections', 'true', room_from).lower() != 'false'):
+            'group_corrections', True, room_from)):
             try:
                 tab.modify_message(body, replaced_id, message['id'], user=user, jid=message['from'],
                         nickname=nick_from)
@@ -3294,7 +3293,7 @@ class Core(object):
             else:
                 tab.remote_wants_chatstates = False
         if 'private' in config.get('beep_on', 'highlight private').split():
-            if config.get_by_tabname('disable_beep', 'false', jid.full, False).lower() != 'true':
+            if not config.get_by_tabname('disable_beep', False, jid.full, False):
                 curses.beep()
         if tab is self.current_tab():
             self.refresh_window()
@@ -3591,14 +3590,14 @@ class Core(object):
             # request the roster
             self.xmpp.get_roster()
             # send initial presence
-            if config.get('send_initial_presence', 'true').lower() != 'false':
+            if config.get('send_initial_presence', True):
                 pres = self.xmpp.make_presence()
                 pres['show'] = self.status.show
                 pres['status'] = self.status.message
                 self.events.trigger('send_normal_presence', pres)
                 pres.send()
         bookmark.get_local()
-        if not self.xmpp.anon and not config.get('use_remote_bookmarks', 'true').lower() == 'false':
+        if not self.xmpp.anon and config.get('use_remote_bookmarks', True):
             bookmark.get_remote(self.xmpp)
         for bm in bookmark.bookmarks:
             tab = self.get_tab_by_name(bm.jid, tabs.MucTab)
@@ -3620,7 +3619,7 @@ class Core(object):
                         status=self.status.message,
                         show=self.status.show)
 
-        if config.get('enable_user_nick', 'true') != 'false':
+        if config.get('enable_user_nick', True):
             self.xmpp.plugin['xep_0172'].publish_nick(nick=self.own_nick, callback=dumb_callback, block=False)
         self.xmpp.plugin['xep_0115'].update_caps()
 
@@ -3774,7 +3773,7 @@ class Core(object):
         """
         Check the server certificate using the sleekxmpp ssl_cert event
         """
-        if config.get('ignore_certificate', 'false').lower() == 'true':
+        if config.get('ignore_certificate', False):
             return
         cert = config.get('certificate', '')
         # update the cert representation when it uses the old one
diff --git a/src/logger.py b/src/logger.py
index 7db34932..c05cc4a6 100644
--- a/src/logger.py
+++ b/src/logger.py
@@ -67,7 +67,7 @@ class Logger(object):
         Check that the directory where we want to log the messages
         exists. if not, create it
         """
-        if config.get_by_tabname('use_log', 'true', room) == 'false':
+        if not config.get_by_tabname('use_log', True, room):
             return
         try:
             makedirs(log_dir)
@@ -98,7 +98,7 @@ class Logger(object):
         if config.get_by_tabname('load_log', 10, jid) <= 0:
             return
 
-        if config.get_by_tabname('use_log', 'true', jid) == 'false':
+        if not config.get_by_tabname('use_log', True, jid):
             return
 
         if nb <= 0:
@@ -184,7 +184,7 @@ class Logger(object):
             return True
 
         jid = str(jid).replace('/', '\\')
-        if config.get_by_tabname('use_log', 'false', jid) != 'true':
+        if not config.get_by_tabname('use_log', False, jid):
             return True
         if jid in self.fds.keys():
             fd = self.fds[jid]
@@ -232,7 +232,7 @@ class Logger(object):
         """
         Log a roster change
         """
-        if config.get_by_tabname('use_log', 'false', jid) != 'true':
+        if not config.get_by_tabname('use_log', False, jid):
             return True
         self.check_and_create_log_dir('', open_fd=False)
         if not self.roster_logfile:
diff --git a/src/tabs/basetabs.py b/src/tabs/basetabs.py
index 5e38775b..00f924b0 100644
--- a/src/tabs/basetabs.py
+++ b/src/tabs/basetabs.py
@@ -126,7 +126,7 @@ class Tab(object):
         Returns 1 or 0, depending on if we are using the vertical tab list
         or not.
         """
-        if config.get('enable_vertical_tab_list', 'false') == 'true':
+        if config.get('enable_vertical_tab_list', False):
             return 0
         return 1
 
@@ -556,7 +556,7 @@ class ChatTab(Tab):
         if not self.is_muc or self.joined:
             if state in ('active', 'inactive', 'gone') and self.inactive and not always_send:
                 return
-            if config.get_by_tabname('send_chat_states', 'true', self.general_jid, True) and \
+            if config.get_by_tabname('send_chat_states', True, self.general_jid, True) and \
                     self.remote_wants_chatstates is not False:
                 msg = self.core.xmpp.make_message(self.get_dest_jid())
                 msg['type'] = self.message_type
@@ -570,7 +570,7 @@ class ChatTab(Tab):
         on the the current status of the input
         """
         name = self.general_jid
-        if config.get_by_tabname('send_chat_states', 'true', name, True) == 'true' and self.remote_wants_chatstates:
+        if config.get_by_tabname('send_chat_states', True, name, True) and self.remote_wants_chatstates:
             needed = 'inactive' if self.inactive else 'active'
             self.cancel_paused_delay()
             if not empty_after:
@@ -585,7 +585,7 @@ class ChatTab(Tab):
         we create a timed event that will put us to paused
         in a few seconds
         """
-        if config.get_by_tabname('send_chat_states', 'true', self.general_jid, True) != 'true':
+        if not config.get_by_tabname('send_chat_states', True, self.general_jid, True):
             return
         if self.timed_event_paused:
             # check the weakref
diff --git a/src/tabs/conversationtab.py b/src/tabs/conversationtab.py
index 5e9734d5..6c0bf2e0 100644
--- a/src/tabs/conversationtab.py
+++ b/src/tabs/conversationtab.py
@@ -109,7 +109,7 @@ class ConversationTab(ChatTab):
         replaced = False
         if correct or msg['replace']['id']:
             msg['replace']['id'] = self.last_sent_message['id']
-            if config.get_by_tabname('group_corrections', 'true', self.get_name()).lower() != 'false':
+            if config.get_by_tabname('group_corrections', True, self.get_name()):
                 try:
                     self.modify_message(msg['body'], self.last_sent_message['id'], msg['id'], jid=self.core.xmpp.boundjid,
                             nickname=self.core.own_nick)
@@ -122,7 +122,7 @@ class ConversationTab(ChatTab):
             msg.enable('html')
             msg['html']['body'] = xhtml.poezio_colors_to_html(msg['body'])
             msg['body'] = xhtml.clean_text(msg['body'])
-        if config.get_by_tabname('send_chat_states', 'true', self.general_jid, True) == 'true' and self.remote_wants_chatstates is not False:
+        if config.get_by_tabname('send_chat_states', True, self.general_jid, True) and self.remote_wants_chatstates is not False:
             needed = 'inactive' if self.inactive else 'active'
             msg['chat_state'] = needed
         if attention and self.remote_supports_attention:
@@ -318,7 +318,7 @@ class ConversationTab(ChatTab):
         self.state = 'normal'
         self.text_win.remove_line_separator()
         self.text_win.add_line_separator(self._text_buffer)
-        if config.get_by_tabname('send_chat_states', 'true', self.general_jid, True) == 'true' and (not self.input.get_text() or not self.input.get_text().startswith('//')):
+        if config.get_by_tabname('send_chat_states', True, self.general_jid, True) and (not self.input.get_text() or not self.input.get_text().startswith('//')):
             if resource:
                 self.send_chat_state('inactive')
         self.check_scrolled()
@@ -336,7 +336,7 @@ class ConversationTab(ChatTab):
 
         self.state = 'current'
         curses.curs_set(1)
-        if config.get_by_tabname('send_chat_states', 'true', self.general_jid, True) == 'true' and (not self.input.get_text() or not self.input.get_text().startswith('//')):
+        if config.get_by_tabname('send_chat_states', True, self.general_jid, True) and (not self.input.get_text() or not self.input.get_text().startswith('//')):
             if resource:
                 self.send_chat_state('active')
 
@@ -351,7 +351,7 @@ class ConversationTab(ChatTab):
 
     def on_close(self):
         Tab.on_close(self)
-        if config.get_by_tabname('send_chat_states', 'true', self.general_jid, True) == 'true':
+        if config.get_by_tabname('send_chat_states', True, self.general_jid, True):
             self.send_chat_state('gone')
 
     def matching_names(self):
diff --git a/src/tabs/muctab.py b/src/tabs/muctab.py
index 0b56df35..b80903d4 100644
--- a/src/tabs/muctab.py
+++ b/src/tabs/muctab.py
@@ -632,7 +632,7 @@ class MucTab(ChatTab):
             msg.enable('html')
             msg['html']['body'] = xhtml.poezio_colors_to_html(msg['body'])
             msg['body'] = xhtml.clean_text(msg['body'])
-        if config.get_by_tabname('send_chat_states', 'true', self.general_jid, True) == 'true' and self.remote_wants_chatstates is not False:
+        if config.get_by_tabname('send_chat_states', True, self.general_jid, True) and self.remote_wants_chatstates is not False:
             msg['chat_state'] = needed
         if correct:
             msg['replace']['id'] = self.last_sent_message['id']
@@ -698,7 +698,7 @@ class MucTab(ChatTab):
         if not self.visible:
             return
         self.need_resize = False
-        if config.get("hide_user_list", "false") == "true":
+        if config.get("hide_user_list", False):
             text_width = self.width
         else:
             text_width = (self.width//10)*9
@@ -716,7 +716,7 @@ class MucTab(ChatTab):
         log.debug('  TAB   Refresh: %s', self.__class__.__name__)
         self.topic_win.refresh(self.get_single_line_topic())
         self.text_win.refresh()
-        if config.get("hide_user_list", "false") == "false":
+        if not config.get("hide_user_list", False):
             self.v_separator.refresh()
             self.user_win.refresh(self.users)
         self.info_header.refresh(self, self.text_win)
@@ -750,7 +750,7 @@ class MucTab(ChatTab):
                      self.input.get_text()[:input_pos] == self.input.last_completion + after):
             add_after = after
         else:
-            add_after = '' if config.get('add_space_after_completion', 'true') == 'false' else ' '
+            add_after = '' if not config.get('add_space_after_completion', True) else ' '
         self.input.auto_completion(word_list, add_after, quotify=False)
         empty_after = self.input.get_text() == '' or (self.input.get_text().startswith('/') and not self.input.get_text().startswith('//'))
         self.send_composing_chat_state(empty_after)
@@ -759,7 +759,7 @@ class MucTab(ChatTab):
         return self.name
 
     def get_nick(self):
-        if config.getl('show_muc_jid', 'true') == 'false':
+        if not config.get('show_muc_jid', True):
             return safeJID(self.name).user
         return self.name
 
@@ -773,22 +773,22 @@ class MucTab(ChatTab):
             self.state = 'disconnected'
         self.text_win.remove_line_separator()
         self.text_win.add_line_separator(self._text_buffer)
-        if config.get_by_tabname('send_chat_states', 'true', self.general_jid, True) == 'true' and not self.input.get_text():
+        if config.get_by_tabname('send_chat_states', True, self.general_jid, True) and not self.input.get_text():
             self.send_chat_state('inactive')
         self.check_scrolled()
 
     def on_gain_focus(self):
         self.state = 'current'
-        if self.text_win.built_lines and self.text_win.built_lines[-1] is None and config.getl('show_useless_separator', 'false') != 'true':
+        if self.text_win.built_lines and self.text_win.built_lines[-1] is None and not config.get('show_useless_separator', False):
             self.text_win.remove_line_separator()
         curses.curs_set(1)
-        if self.joined and config.get_by_tabname('send_chat_states', 'true', self.general_jid, True) == 'true' and not self.input.get_text():
+        if self.joined and config.get_by_tabname('send_chat_states', True, self.general_jid, True) and not self.input.get_text():
             self.send_chat_state('active')
 
     def on_info_win_size_changed(self):
         if self.core.information_win_size >= self.height-3:
             return
-        if config.get("hide_user_list", "false") == "true":
+        if config.get("hide_user_list", False):
             text_width = self.width
         else:
             text_width = (self.width//10)*9
@@ -917,7 +917,7 @@ class MucTab(ChatTab):
         self.users.append(user)
         hide_exit_join = config.get_by_tabname('hide_exit_join', -1, self.general_jid, True)
         if hide_exit_join != 0:
-            color = dump_tuple(user.color) if config.get_by_tabname('display_user_color_in_join_part', '', self.general_jid, True) == 'true' else 3
+            color = dump_tuple(user.color) if config.get_by_tabname('display_user_color_in_join_part', True, self.general_jid, True) else 3
             if not jid.full:
                 msg = '\x194}%(spec)s \x19%(color)s}%(nick)s\x19%(info_col)s} joined the room' % {
                         'nick':from_nick, 'color':color, 'spec':get_theme().CHAR_JOIN,
@@ -937,7 +937,7 @@ class MucTab(ChatTab):
             # also change our nick in all private discussions of this room
             self.core.on_muc_own_nickchange(self)
         user.change_nick(new_nick)
-        color = dump_tuple(user.color) if config.get_by_tabname('display_user_color_in_join_part', '', self.general_jid, True) == 'true' else 3
+        color = dump_tuple(user.color) if config.get_by_tabname('display_user_color_in_join_part', True, self.general_jid, True) else 3
         self.add_message('\x19%(color)s}%(old)s\x19%(info_col)s} is now known as \x19%(color)s}%(new)s' % {
             'old':from_nick, 'new':new_nick, 'color':color,
             'info_col': dump_tuple(get_theme().COLOR_INFORMATION_TEXT)},
@@ -967,7 +967,7 @@ class MucTab(ChatTab):
             self.refresh_tab_win()
             self.core.current_tab().input.refresh()
             self.core.doupdate()
-            if config.get_by_tabname('autorejoin', 'false', self.general_jid, True) == 'true':
+            if config.get_by_tabname('autorejoin', False, self.general_jid, True):
                 delay = config.get_by_tabname('autorejoin_delay', "5", self.general_jid, True)
                 delay = common.parse_str_to_secs(delay)
                 if delay <= 0:
@@ -981,7 +981,7 @@ class MucTab(ChatTab):
                         self.own_nick))
 
         else:
-            color = dump_tuple(user.color) if config.get_by_tabname('display_user_color_in_join_part', '', self.general_jid, True) == 'true' else 3
+            color = dump_tuple(user.color) if config.get_by_tabname('display_user_color_in_join_part', True, self.general_jid, True) else 3
             if by:
                 kick_msg = _('\x191}%(spec)s \x19%(color)s}%(nick)s\x19%(info_col)s} has been banned by \x194}%(by)s') % {
                         'spec':get_theme().CHAR_KICK, 'nick':from_nick, 'color':color, 'by':by,
@@ -1018,7 +1018,7 @@ class MucTab(ChatTab):
             self.core.current_tab().input.refresh()
             self.core.doupdate()
             # try to auto-rejoin
-            if config.get_by_tabname('autorejoin', 'false', self.general_jid, True) == 'true':
+            if config.get_by_tabname('autorejoin', False, self.general_jid, True):
                 delay = config.get_by_tabname('autorejoin_delay', "5", self.general_jid, True)
                 delay = common.parse_str_to_secs(delay)
                 if delay <= 0:
@@ -1031,7 +1031,7 @@ class MucTab(ChatTab):
                         self.name,
                         self.own_nick))
         else:
-            color = dump_tuple(user.color) if config.get_by_tabname('display_user_color_in_join_part', '', self.general_jid, True) == 'true' else 3
+            color = dump_tuple(user.color) if config.get_by_tabname('display_user_color_in_join_part', True, self.general_jid, True) else 3
             if by:
                 kick_msg = _('\x191}%(spec)s \x19%(color)s}%(nick)s\x19%(info_col)s} has been kicked by \x193}%(by)s') % {'spec': get_theme().CHAR_KICK, 'nick':from_nick, 'color':color, 'by':by, 'info_col': dump_tuple(get_theme().COLOR_INFORMATION_TEXT)}
             else:
@@ -1052,9 +1052,9 @@ class MucTab(ChatTab):
             self.refresh_tab_win()
             self.core.current_tab().input.refresh()
             self.core.doupdate()
-        hide_exit_join = config.get_by_tabname('hide_exit_join', -1, self.general_jid, True) if config.get_by_tabname('hide_exit_join', -1, self.general_jid, True) >= -1 else -1
+        hide_exit_join = max(config.get_by_tabname('hide_exit_join', -1, self.general_jid, True), -1)
         if hide_exit_join == -1 or user.has_talked_since(hide_exit_join):
-            color = dump_tuple(user.color) if config.get_by_tabname('display_user_color_in_join_part', '', self.general_jid, True) == 'true' else 3
+            color = dump_tuple(user.color) if config.get_by_tabname('display_user_color_in_join_part', True, self.general_jid, True) else 3
             if not jid.full:
                 leave_msg = _('\x191}%(spec)s \x19%(color)s}%(nick)s\x19%(info_col)s} has left the room') % {'nick':from_nick, 'color':color, 'spec':get_theme().CHAR_QUIT, 'info_col': dump_tuple(get_theme().COLOR_INFORMATION_TEXT)}
             else:
@@ -1071,7 +1071,7 @@ class MucTab(ChatTab):
         # build the message
         display_message = False # flag to know if something significant enough
         # to be displayed has changed
-        color = dump_tuple(user.color) if config.get_by_tabname('display_user_color_in_join_part', '', self.general_jid, True) == 'true' else 3
+        color = dump_tuple(user.color) if config.get_by_tabname('display_user_color_in_join_part', True, self.general_jid, True) else 3
         if from_nick == self.own_nick:
             msg = _('\x193}You\x19%(info_col)s} changed: ') % {'info_col': dump_tuple(get_theme().COLOR_INFORMATION_TEXT)}
         else:
@@ -1165,7 +1165,7 @@ class MucTab(ChatTab):
         if highlighted:
             beep_on = config.get('beep_on', 'highlight private').split()
             if 'highlight' in beep_on and 'message' not in beep_on:
-                if config.get_by_tabname('disable_beep', 'false', self.name, False).lower() != 'true':
+                if not config.get_by_tabname('disable_beep', False, self.name, False):
                     curses.beep()
         return highlighted
 
@@ -1197,7 +1197,7 @@ class MucTab(ChatTab):
                 nickname != self.own_nick and\
                     self.state != 'current':
             if self.state != 'highlight' and\
-                    config.get_by_tabname('notify_messages', 'true', self.get_name()) == 'true':
+                    config.get_by_tabname('notify_messages', True, self.get_name()):
                 self.state = 'message'
         if (not nickname or time) and not txt.startswith('/me '):
             txt = '\x19%(info_col)s}%(txt)s' % {'txt':txt, 'info_col': dump_tuple(get_theme().COLOR_INFORMATION_TEXT)}
diff --git a/src/tabs/privatetab.py b/src/tabs/privatetab.py
index 6adbf878..b1c11ae2 100644
--- a/src/tabs/privatetab.py
+++ b/src/tabs/privatetab.py
@@ -138,7 +138,7 @@ class PrivateTab(ChatTab):
         replaced = False
         if correct or msg['replace']['id']:
             msg['replace']['id'] = self.last_sent_message['id']
-            if config.get_by_tabname('group_corrections', 'true', self.get_name()).lower() != 'false':
+            if config.get_by_tabname('group_corrections', True, self.get_name()):
                 try:
                     self.modify_message(msg['body'], self.last_sent_message['id'], msg['id'],
                             user=user, jid=self.core.xmpp.boundjid, nickname=self.own_nick)
@@ -152,7 +152,7 @@ class PrivateTab(ChatTab):
             msg.enable('html')
             msg['html']['body'] = xhtml.poezio_colors_to_html(msg['body'])
             msg['body'] = xhtml.clean_text(msg['body'])
-        if config.get_by_tabname('send_chat_states', 'true', self.general_jid, True) == 'true' and self.remote_wants_chatstates is not False:
+        if config.get_by_tabname('send_chat_states', True, self.general_jid, True) and self.remote_wants_chatstates is not False:
             needed = 'inactive' if self.inactive else 'active'
             msg['chat_state'] = needed
         if attention and self.remote_supports_attention:
@@ -285,8 +285,8 @@ class PrivateTab(ChatTab):
         self.text_win.add_line_separator(self._text_buffer)
         tab = self.core.get_tab_by_name(safeJID(self.name).bare, MucTab)
         if tab and tab.joined and config.get_by_tabname(
-                'send_chat_states', 'true', self.general_jid, True) == 'true'\
-                    and not self.input.get_text() and self.on:
+                'send_chat_states', True, self.general_jid, True) and\
+                    not self.input.get_text() and self.on:
             self.send_chat_state('inactive')
         self.check_scrolled()
 
@@ -295,8 +295,8 @@ class PrivateTab(ChatTab):
         curses.curs_set(1)
         tab = self.core.get_tab_by_name(safeJID(self.name).bare, MucTab)
         if tab and tab.joined and config.get_by_tabname(
-                'send_chat_states', 'true', self.general_jid, True) == 'true'\
-                    and not self.input.get_text() and self.on:
+                'send_chat_states', True, self.general_jid, True) and\
+                    not self.input.get_text() and self.on:
             self.send_chat_state('active')
 
     def on_info_win_size_changed(self):
diff --git a/src/tabs/rostertab.py b/src/tabs/rostertab.py
index 22cad8b9..199be8f7 100644
--- a/src/tabs/rostertab.py
+++ b/src/tabs/rostertab.py
@@ -728,10 +728,8 @@ class RosterInfoTab(Tab):
         Show or hide offline contacts
         """
         option = 'roster_show_offline'
-        if config.get(option, 'false') == 'false':
-            success = config.silent_set(option, 'true')
-        else:
-            success = config.silent_set(option, 'false')
+        value = config.get(option, False)
+        success = config.silent_set(option, not value)
         roster.modified()
         if not success:
             self.core.information(_('Unable to write in the config file'), 'Error')
diff --git a/src/text_buffer.py b/src/text_buffer.py
index 2254fa62..919fbe8c 100644
--- a/src/text_buffer.py
+++ b/src/text_buffer.py
@@ -99,7 +99,7 @@ class TextBuffer(object):
         ret_val = None
         for window in self.windows: # make the associated windows
             # build the lines from the new message
-            nb = window.build_new_message(msg, history=history, highlight=highlight, timestamp=config.get("show_timestamps", "true") != 'false')
+            nb = window.build_new_message(msg, history=history, highlight=highlight, timestamp=config.get("show_timestamps", True))
             if ret_val is None:
                 ret_val = nb
             if window.pos != 0:
diff --git a/src/windows.py b/src/windows.py
index 7e9951a6..fd66d475 100644
--- a/src/windows.py
+++ b/src/windows.py
@@ -238,7 +238,7 @@ class UserList(Win):
 
     def refresh(self, users):
         log.debug('Refresh: %s',self.__class__.__name__)
-        if config.get("hide_user_list", "false") == "true":
+        if config.get("hide_user_list", False):
             return # do not refresh if this win is hidden.
         with g_lock:
             self._win.erase()
@@ -336,16 +336,16 @@ class GlobalInfoBar(Win):
             self._win.erase()
             self.addstr(0, 0, "[", to_curses_attr(get_theme().COLOR_INFORMATION_BAR))
 
-            create_gaps = config.getl('create_gaps', 'false') == 'true'
-            show_names = config.getl('show_tab_names', 'false') == 'true'
-            show_nums = config.getl('show_tab_numbers', 'true') != 'false'
-            use_nicks = config.getl('use_tab_nicks', 'true') != 'false'
+            create_gaps = config.get('create_gaps', False)
+            show_names = config.get('show_tab_names', False)
+            show_nums = config.get('show_tab_numbers', True)
+            use_nicks = config.get('use_tab_nicks', True)
             # ignore any remaining gap tabs if the feature is not enabled
             sorted_tabs = [tab for tab in self.core.tabs if tab] if not create_gaps else self.core.tabs[:]
             for nb, tab in enumerate(sorted_tabs):
                 if not tab: continue
                 color = tab.color
-                if config.get('show_inactive_tabs', 'true') == 'false' and\
+                if not config.get('show_inactive_tabs', True) and\
                         color is get_theme().COLOR_TAB_NORMAL:
                     continue
                 try:
@@ -379,11 +379,11 @@ class VerticalGlobalInfoBar(Win):
             height, width = self._win.getmaxyx()
             self._win.erase()
             sorted_tabs = [tab for tab in self.core.tabs if tab]
-            if config.get('show_inactive_tabs', 'true') == 'false':
+            if not config.get('show_inactive_tabs', True):
                 sorted_tabs = [tab for tab in sorted_tabs if\
                                    tab.vertical_color != get_theme().COLOR_VERTICAL_TAB_NORMAL]
             nb_tabs = len(sorted_tabs)
-            use_nicks = config.getl('use_tab_nicks', 'true') != 'false'
+            use_nicks = config.get('use_tab_nicks', True)
             if nb_tabs >= height:
                 for y, tab in enumerate(sorted_tabs):
                     if tab.vertical_color == get_theme().COLOR_VERTICAL_TAB_CURRENT:
@@ -926,7 +926,7 @@ class TextWin(Win):
             lines = self.built_lines[-self.height:]
         else:
             lines = self.built_lines[-self.height-self.pos:-self.pos]
-        with_timestamps = config.get("show_timestamps", 'true') != 'false'
+        with_timestamps = config.get("show_timestamps", True)
         with g_lock:
             self._win.move(0, 0)
             self._win.erase()
@@ -1030,7 +1030,7 @@ class TextWin(Win):
 
     def rebuild_everything(self, room):
         self.built_lines = []
-        with_timestamps = config.get("show_timestamps", 'true') != 'false'
+        with_timestamps = config.get("show_timestamps", True)
         for message in room.messages:
             self.build_new_message(message, clean=False, timestamp=with_timestamps)
             if self.separator_after is message:
@@ -1043,7 +1043,7 @@ class TextWin(Win):
         Find a message, and replace it with a new one
         (instead of rebuilding everything in order to correct a message)
         """
-        with_timestamps = config.get("show_timestamps", 'true') != 'false'
+        with_timestamps = config.get("show_timestamps", True)
         for i in range(len(self.built_lines)-1, -1, -1):
             if self.built_lines[i] and self.built_lines[i].msg.identifier == old_id:
                 index = i
@@ -1664,7 +1664,7 @@ class HistoryInput(Input):
         self.current_completed = ''
         self.key_func['^R'] = self.toggle_search
         self.search = False
-        if config.get('separate_history', 'false') == 'true':
+        if config.get('separate_history', False):
             self.history = list()
 
     def toggle_search(self):
@@ -1960,7 +1960,7 @@ class RosterWin(Win):
                     for contact in roster.get_contacts_sorted_filtered(sort):
                         self.roster_cache.append(contact)
                 else:
-                    show_offline = config.get('roster_show_offline', 'false') == 'true' or roster.contact_filter
+                    show_offline = config.get('roster_show_offline', False) or roster.contact_filter
                     sort = config.get('roster_sort', 'jid:show') or 'jid:show'
                     group_sort = config.get('roster_group_sort', 'name') or 'name'
                     self.roster_cache = []
@@ -2091,7 +2091,7 @@ class RosterWin(Win):
         self.addstr(y, 0, ' ')
         self.addstr(theme.CHAR_STATUS, to_curses_attr(color))
 
-        show_roster_sub = config.getl('show_roster_subscriptions', '')
+        show_roster_sub = config.get('show_roster_subscriptions', '')
 
         self.addstr(' ')
         if resource:
@@ -2099,7 +2099,7 @@ class RosterWin(Win):
             added += 4
         if contact.ask:
             added += len(get_theme().CHAR_ROSTER_ASKED)
-        if config.get('show_s2s_errors', 'true').lower() == 'true' and contact.error:
+        if config.get('show_s2s_errors', True) and contact.error:
             added += len(get_theme().CHAR_ROSTER_ERROR)
         if contact.tune:
             added += len(get_theme().CHAR_ROSTER_TUNE)
@@ -2112,7 +2112,7 @@ class RosterWin(Win):
         if show_roster_sub in ('all', 'incomplete', 'to', 'from', 'both', 'none'):
             added += len(theme.char_subscription(contact.subscription, keep=show_roster_sub))
 
-        if config.getl('show_roster_jids', 'true') == 'false' and contact.name:
+        if not config.get('show_roster_jids', True) and contact.name:
             display_name = '%s' % contact.name
         elif contact.name and contact.name != contact.bare_jid:
             display_name = '%s (%s)' % (contact.name, contact.bare_jid)
@@ -2130,7 +2130,7 @@ class RosterWin(Win):
             self.addstr(theme.char_subscription(contact.subscription, keep=show_roster_sub), to_curses_attr(theme.COLOR_ROSTER_SUBSCRIPTION))
         if contact.ask:
             self.addstr(get_theme().CHAR_ROSTER_ASKED, to_curses_attr(get_theme().COLOR_IMPORTANT_TEXT))
-        if config.get('show_s2s_errors', 'true').lower() == 'true' and contact.error:
+        if config.get('show_s2s_errors', True) and contact.error:
             self.addstr(get_theme().CHAR_ROSTER_ERROR, to_curses_attr(get_theme().COLOR_ROSTER_ERROR))
         if contact.tune:
             self.addstr(get_theme().CHAR_ROSTER_TUNE, to_curses_attr(get_theme().COLOR_ROSTER_TUNE))