from pathlib import Path


def path_setting(**kwargs):
    """
    Helper function to enable the configuration of paths on the local file
    system. By default, this function manages strings in the YAML file:

        1. Expand user (e.g. ~)
        2. Expand vars (e.g. $HOME)
        3. Normalize the path (e.g. .. and . resolution)
        4. If absolute, return the absolute path

    If mkdirs is True, then this function will create the directory if it
    does not exist. If raises is True, then it will raise an exception if the
    directory does not exist.
    """
    return Path(**kwargs)