What are the differences between environment variables and configuration files?

What are the differences between environment variables and configuration files?

Environment variables are key-value pairs set in the operating system, while configuration files are stored as files with settings.

Can you give me examples of when to use each?

Use environment variables for sensitive data like API keys, and configuration files for application settings that can be versioned.

Are there any security concerns with using environment variables?

Yes, if not managed properly, environment variables can be exposed in logs or process listings, leading to security risks.

How can I securely manage environment variables?

Use tools like dotenv for local development and secret management services in production, such as AWS Secrets Manager.