| Goal | Better naming | |------|----------------| | Template file | .env.example | | Local dev defaults (safe to commit) | .env.defaults | | Local overrides (gitignored) | .env.local | | Both template + local | .env.example + .env.local |
. It provided a set of "sensible defaults" specifically for the local development environment that could still be overridden by an even more specific .env.local file if needed. The Moral of the Story .env.default.local , Alex and the team could: Collaborate seamlessly with a shared base configuration. Keep secrets safe by never committing sensitive data. Customize easily .env.default.local