.env.local vs. .env.development.local: Unraveling the Dotenv Mystery
When working with environment variables in React projects, you might encounter files named .env.local and .env.development.local. But what's the difference between them, and why are there two separate files? Let's delve into the world of dotenvs to understand their roles and benefits.
The Scenario:
Imagine you have a React application that uses a backend API for data fetching. You need to store the API endpoint in a secure way, preventing it from being exposed in your source code. Here's where environment variables come in, and you might see these lines in your project's root:
# .env.local
REACT_APP_API_ENDPOINT=http://localhost:3000/api
# .env.development.local
REACT_APP_API_ENDPOINT=http://staging.your-app.com/api
Unveiling the Differences:
Both .env.local and .env.development.local are used to store environment variables specific to your development environment. However, their purpose differs:
.env.local: This file is intended for your local development setup. It's a good place to store variables that are unique to your machine, like local database connections or personal API keys. It's the most common dotenv file and gets loaded by default..env.development.local: This file is specifically used for your development environment, separate from your local machine. It's useful for scenarios like running your app in a containerized development environment, where you might need distinct settings for your local machine and the container.
When to Use Each File:
.env.local: This is your go-to file for local development setup. Use it for any settings specific to your local machine, like database credentials or API keys..env.development.local: This file comes in handy when you need to differentiate your development environment from your local machine. For instance, if you're running your app inside a Docker container or a CI/CD pipeline, you might use.env.development.localto define variables for the development environment within the container.
Key Takeaways:
.env.localis for your personal development machine, while.env.development.localis meant for the broader development environment.- Both files are loaded by default in development mode.
- It's crucial to avoid storing sensitive information in environment variables, as they can be accessible in the browser's console.
Going Beyond:
Understanding the use cases for .env.local and .env.development.local allows you to manage environment variables effectively in your React projects. Remember, proper environment management contributes to secure and efficient development workflows.
Resources:
By understanding the nuances of .env.local and .env.development.local, you gain control over your development environment, ensuring smooth transitions between local and broader development settings.
