Question 1

How to load multiple .env files for different environments in Crystal?

Accepted Answer

Dotenv can load custom files via Dotenv.load, but for multiple files, you need to call it sequentially—e.g., first '.env.development', then '.env.local'. There's no built-in hierarchical loading, so manual handling is required.

Question 2

Dotenv vs Crystal's built-in ENV module: which is better?

Accepted Answer

Use Dotenv for loading from .env files in development, as it simplifies file-based configuration. Crystal's ENV module accesses system variables directly and is better for production where environment variables are set externally, avoiding file dependencies.

Question 3

Best practices for securing .env files in Crystal projects?

Accepted Answer

Always add .env to .gitignore to prevent committing secrets. Use environment-specific files like .env.production and load them conditionally. Dotenv doesn't encrypt data, so consider additional security layers for sensitive information.

Question 4

How to handle missing required environment variables with Dotenv?

Accepted Answer

Dotenv doesn't validate on load. After loading, check for missing variables manually by iterating through expected keys and raising errors if not set, as the library only injects values without verification.

Question 5

Can I use Dotenv with Lucky Framework in Crystal?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but Lucky has its own configuration system. You can use Dotenv to load variables before Lucky starts, though it might be redundant. Check Lucky's docs for integrated env handling to avoid conflicts.

Question 6

How to test Crystal applications that use Dotenv?

Accepted Answer

In tests, mock environment variables directly or load a test-specific .env file. Dotenv's simplicity makes it easy to integrate, but ensure tests don't rely on production files by setting env vars programmatically.

cr-dotenv

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