Understanding Environment Variables in NextJS

NextJS supports different types of environment variables:

  • Server-Side Environment Variables: These variables are accessible only on the server side of the application. They are ideal for storing secrets or sensitive information that should not be exposed to the client-side code running in the browser.
  • Client-Side Environment Variables (Prefixed with NEXT_PUBLIC_): Variables prefixed with NEXT_PUBLIC_ are exposed to the browser and can be accessed in client-side code. This is useful for configurations that need to be available on the client side, such as public API keys.

How to Handle Different Environments in a Next.js?

Environment variables in NextJS are fundamental settings or values that can change based on the application’s deployment environment. They are crucial for separating sensitive information, such as API keys, database credentials, or configuration details, from the application codebase.

In a NextJS project, managing environment variables is essential for handling sensitive information and configuring applications across different deployment environments.

Table of Content

  • Understanding Environment Variables in NextJS
  • Setting Up Environment Variables in NextJS
  • Using dotenv for Environment Variable Management
  • Best Practices for Managing Environment Variables in NextJS
  • Conclusion

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Best Practices for Managing Environment Variables in NextJS

Security: Keep sensitive information like API keys or credentials separate from the codebase and use .env files.Environment-specific Files: Create distinct configuration files or modules for different environments to maintain clarity and organization.Avoid Hardcoding: Refrain from hardcoding secrets directly into the application code.Version Control: Exclude .env files from version control systems to prevent exposing secrets....

Conclusion

In conclusion, effective environment handling in NextJS is crucial for securely managing configuration settings and sensitive information across different deployment environments. By utilizing environment variables, developers can ensure that critical details like API keys, database credentials, and other confidential information remain isolated from the application codebase. This separation enhances security and flexibility, enabling applications to seamlessly adapt to diverse environments such as development, staging, and production....