Environment variables configure applications across environments. Here's how to manage them securely and effectively.
Basic Usage
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Type-Safe Configuration
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Environment Files
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Loading Environment Variables
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Secrets Management
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Validation Patterns
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Configuration Object
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Docker and Kubernetes
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Best Practices
Security:
✓ Never commit secrets
✓ Use .env.example for documentation
✓ Use secret managers in production
✓ Rotate secrets regularly
Validation:
✓ Validate on startup
✓ Fail fast on missing required vars
✓ Use type-safe configuration
✓ Provide sensible defaults
Organization:
✓ Use consistent naming (SCREAMING_SNAKE_CASE)
✓ Group related variables
✓ Document all variables
✓ Use environment-specific files
Conclusion
Environment variables separate configuration from code. Use .env files for local development, secret managers for production, and always validate configuration at startup. Type-safe configuration objects prevent runtime errors and improve developer experience.