def _parse_file(self, value, root_dir: _Path):
        """Represents value as a string, allowing including text
        from nearest files using `file:` directive.

        Directive is sandboxed and won't reach anything outside
        directory with setup.py.

        Examples:
            file: README.rst, CHANGELOG.md, src/file.txt

        :param str value:
        :rtype: str
        """
        include_directive = 'file:'

        if not isinstance(value, str):
            return value

        if not value.startswith(include_directive):
            return value

        spec = value[len(include_directive) :]
        filepaths = [path.strip() for path in spec.split(',')]
        self._referenced_files.update(filepaths)
        return expand.read_files(filepaths, root_dir)
Represents value as a string, allowing including text
        from nearest files using `file:` directive.

        Directive is sandboxed and won't reach anything outside
        directory with setup.py.

        Examples:
            file: README.rst, CHANGELOG.md, src/file.txt

        :param str value:
        :rtype: str
        
product/gradle-plugin/src/main/python/setuptools/config/setupcfg.py