It's a single file placed at the root of the repository. The text editor/IDE will automatically see it and silently apply it as you edit the file (eg press tab

It's a single file placed at the root of the repository. The text editor/IDE will automatically see it and silently apply it as you edit the file (eg press tab and it inserts x spaces or a tab, uses whatever newline specified). There is no extra burden unless you need to download a plugin for it manually.