.env.development.local Jun 2026
# ----------------------------------------------------------- # Debugging & Logging # ----------------------------------------------------------- # Enable verbose logging for local dev DEBUG=true LOG_LEVEL=debug
The pattern looks like this: .env.[mode].[local] .env.development.local
Because these files often contain sensitive secrets—such as private access tokens, passwords, or local paths—they should always be included in the project's .gitignore file. To help other developers know which variables they need to define, it is standard practice to provide a "template" file, such as .env.example , which contains the variable names but none of the actual secret values. Loading Order Its primary characteristics include: The next time you
The .env.development.local file is a specialized environment variable file used to store configuration settings and sensitive information (like API keys or database credentials) specifically for a developer's during the development phase . Its primary characteristics include: such as .env.example
The next time you set up a project, don't just create a generic .env . Embrace the hierarchy. Commit .env.development , ignore .env.development.local , and unlock the full potential of your development workflow.