A .env.sample file is a template used in software development to show which environment variables are needed to run an application, without revealing actual secret keys, passwords, or credentials. It is commonly committed to version control (like Git) so other developers know how to configure their local environments. Common Contents
Modern development benefits from explicit hints. .env.sample
# ---------- SERVER ----------
# Node environment: development, production, test
NODE_ENV=development
# Setup instructions
cp .env.sample .env
# Edit .env with your local credentials
# Environment mode. Options: 'dev', 'staging', 'prod'
# Affects logging verbosity and error reporting.
APP_ENV=dev
The Importance of .env.sample Files in Development: A Best Practice for Environment Variable Management # Environment mode
A good sample file should be descriptive but safe. Here is a standard structure: # Environment mode. Options: 'dev'