What are the best practices for using the dotenv library?

What are the best practices for using the dotenv library?

When using the dotenv library, it's important to keep your .env file out of version control, use descriptive variable names, and load your environment variables early in your application.

Why should I keep my .env file out of version control?

Keeping your .env file out of version control prevents sensitive information, like API keys and database credentials, from being exposed publicly.

Can you give me an example of a good .env file structure?

Sure! A good .env file structure might look like this:

DB_HOST=localhost
DB_USER=root
DB_PASS=secret
API_KEY=your_api_key_here

This keeps your variables organized and easy to read.

What should I do if I accidentally commit my .env file?

If you accidentally commit your .env file, you should remove it from your repository's history, change any exposed credentials, and add it to your .gitignore file to prevent future commits.