I'm working on a repository and considering adding a .env.example file that lists all the different environment variables with placeholder values. Is this a good practice, or should I avoid it? My hope is to make it easier for others to clone the repo without having to dig through the code to find where those variables are used.
5 Answers
Definitely a good practice! Providing a set of example values can help the project work right out of the box without any modifications. Plus, if you can, add a bash or cmake script for the initial setup alongside a README.
I think it's a solid choice! A fresh Laravel install includes a .env.example file for a reason. Just make sure to list the keys and not actual values, that way you keep it clean.
Best practice for sure! I usually keep them blank or use something like 'your_github_token_goes_here'. That way it's clear what needs to be filled in.
It's pretty common and doesn't hurt to include. Honestly, it's way easier than reading through a README just to set things up. Just be cautious not to put any sensitive info in there.
Including a .env.example is straightforward, but it really depends on how you manage secrets. If everyone cloning the repo is responsible for their own secrets, it's fine. Otherwise, you might want to look into using a secrets manager to avoid hardcoding templates.
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