.env.local [hot] Jun 2026

A bug occurs only when FEATURE_FLAG_NEW_UI=true . You don't want to commit that flag. You add it to .env.local , test the UI, fix the bug, then delete the line from .env.local . No traces left behind.

To get the most out of .env.local , follow these best practices: .env.local

Enter the .env.local file—your development environment's best friend. What is .env.local ? A bug occurs only when FEATURE_FLAG_NEW_UI=true

Using .env.local is easy. Using it well requires discipline. No traces left behind

: Ensure your .gitignore file includes .env.local to prevent accidental uploads to GitHub or Bitbucket. Access in Code : Node.js/Next.js : Access via process.env.API_KEY .

Modern frameworks follow a hierarchy. Generally, the order of priority looks like this: .env.local (Highest priority - overrides everything) .env.development / .env.production .env (Lowest priority - the defaults) How to Set Up .env.local Setting up the file is straightforward. Follow these steps: