A generalized configurator software system provides separate building and executing of software-based configuration definitions from which any of a wide variety of articles may be specified or configured. For example, the configuration definitions may relate to various features or components that may be selected for or incorporated into or used to select or specify any type of article, including a personal computer, an automobile, a construction project (e.g., a bathroom remodel or a multistory structure), etc. The configuration definitions are stored in a definitions database and are built or constructed by a set-up user from a generalized configurator data structure or framework that may include any or all of variables, items, formulas, and assemblies. The variables, items, formulas, and assemblies are specified to represent the generic features or components that may be selected for one or more articles, and also include operating logic for selecting specific ones of the features or components. Accordingly, the configuration definitions define the basis on which a configuring user can select, specify, or "configure" any of one or more articles.