What are the differences between dotenv and env-cmd?

What are the differences between dotenv and env-cmd?

Both dotenv and env-cmd are used to manage environment variables in Node.js applications, but they have some differences. Dotenv loads environment variables from a .env file into process.env, while env-cmd allows you to specify environment variables directly in the command line or from a file.

Can you explain how to use dotenv?

Sure! To use dotenv, first install it via npm with npm install dotenv. Then, create a .env file in your project root and define your variables like this: DB_HOST=localhost. Finally, require and configure dotenv at the top of your main file: require('dotenv').config();.

What about env-cmd? How do I use it?

To use env-cmd, install it with npm install env-cmd. You can create a .env file or specify variables inline. To run your app with env-cmd, use: env-cmd -f .env node yourApp.js.

Which one should I choose for my project?

It depends on your needs. If you prefer simplicity and just need to load variables from a file, dotenv is great. If you need more flexibility, like loading different configurations for different environments, env-cmd might be better.