What are dotenv variables and how do I use them?

What are dotenv variables and how do I use them?

Dotenv variables are environment variables stored in a .env file. They help manage configuration settings for applications.

Why should I use a .env file instead of hardcoding values?

Using a .env file keeps sensitive information secure and allows for easier configuration changes without modifying code.

Can you show me an example of how to set up a .env file?

Sure! In your .env file, you can define variables like this:

DB_HOST=localhost
DB_USER=root
DB_PASS=password

How do I access these variables in my Node.js application?

You can use the 'dotenv' package. First, install it with npm, then require it at the top of your main file:

require('dotenv').config();
const dbHost = process.env.DB_HOST;