.env.development.local -

// Load local override (highest priority) dotenv.config( path: path.resolve(process.cwd(), '.env.development.local') );

: It is only loaded when the environment variable NODE_ENV is set to development . Comparison of File Priorities

Let's break down each component:

Why not just use a standard .env file? Here are three reasons why .env.development.local is a lifesaver: .env.development.local

Ensure your project's root file explicitly blocks this file from tracking:

Then in .vscode/tasks.json :

It is crucial to note that other frameworks, while using a similar philosophy, have their own conventions: // Load local override (highest priority) dotenv

: It is designed to override default settings found in .env or .env.development .

.env.local .env.*.local

Do you need help configuring .env.development.local for a specific framework like Next.js or Vite? Let me know which one you are using. AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more Share public link Learn more Share public link # Create a file named

# Create a file named .env.development.local and add: DATABASE_URL=postgres://user:pass@localhost:5432/mydb STRIPE_SECRET_KEY=pk_test_your_local_key_here

.env.development.local file is a special configuration file used in modern web development (Next.js, Vite, Create React App) to store environment-specific, private configuration values that only apply to your local machine during development It overrides settings in .env.development never committed to version control (e.g., Git) 1. What to Use It For Private API Keys: