.env.local | !free!

In the root directory of your project, create a new file named exactly .env.local .

The .env.local file is a specific "flavor" of these environment files. Its primary characteristics are: .env.local

When a new teammate joins, they simply run cp .env.example .env.local and fill in their own credentials. In the root directory of your project, create

It is the safest place to store sensitive data like private API keys, database passwords, and auth tokens during development. Why Do You Need It? 1. Security First It is the safest place to store sensitive

This means you can set "safe" defaults in .env and override them with your "secret" keys in .env.local . Step 1: Creation

The best practice is to create a file. This file contains the keys but not the actual values. Example .env.example : STRIPE_SECRET_KEY= NEXT_PUBLIC_ANALYTICS_ID= DATABASE_URL= Use code with caution.

Popular frameworks have built-in "loading orders." For instance, in , the hierarchy looks like this: .env.local (Highest priority) .env.development / .env.production .env (Lowest priority)