What is the difference between dotenv and environment variables?

What is the difference between dotenv and environment variables?

Dotenv is a module that loads environment variables from a .env file into process.env, while environment variables are set in the system.

When should I use dotenv instead of setting environment variables directly?

Use dotenv for local development to manage environment variables easily without modifying the system settings.

Are there any security concerns with using dotenv?

Yes, ensure that your .env file is not included in version control to prevent sensitive data exposure.

Can I use dotenv in production?

It's generally not recommended to use dotenv in production; instead, set environment variables directly on the server.