Reading Content from an external file

Hi,

I would like to build ui based on the contents from an external file, which could be under some public folder under the webapps.

This is done because a drop down list contents in the ui needs to be populated dynamically. The contents of the drop down can change and this shouldn't require a source code change.

If any of you can throw some ideas on this, it would be great.

I initially used the Value Help idea, but how can the values be modified at a latter date without the source code change.

Is there a straightforward solution/api which I am missing.

Thanks for your time.

Regards,

Munish.