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.env File

Definition

A plain text file named ".env" that stores environment variables for local development. Not committed to Git. Each developer and server has their own copy.

Why it matters

The .env file is where you safely store all your local secrets. It's one of the first things set up in any project. Adding ".env" to .gitignore protects sensitive data.

Example

A founder's .env file contains OPENAI_API_KEY, DATABASE_URL, and STRIPE_SECRET_KEY. Her .gitignore excludes it, so it never gets pushed to GitHub.

Related terms

Environment VariablesAPI KeyGitBackend

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