In a typical workflow, you would:
It sounds paranoid, but it happens. Add a CI check that scans for files named .env.vault.local in your repository and fails the build if one exists.
It essentially combines the "vault" security of encrypted secrets with the "local" convenience of environment-specific overrides. Why Should You Use It?
While the standard .env.vault file is designed to be safely committed to Git (yes, committed , because it’s encrypted), the file is explicitly designed to stay out of version control. It is the entry in your .gitignore that protects your personal development secrets. .env.vault.local
The concept behind the local build command is straightforward but transformative. It allows developers to continue using the .env files they know and love for local development, while seamlessly switching to a highly secure, encrypted deployment process with zero code changes.
Executing this command creates the following key files:
When you authenticate your local machine to pull secrets from the cloud vault: npx dotenv-vault@latest login npx dotenv-vault@latest pull Use code with caution. In a typical workflow, you would: It sounds
When your application loads environment variables, it looks for multiple files in a specific order (lowest to highest priority):
Environment = decrypt(.env.vault) + decrypt(.env.vault.local) + (System Env Vars)
The traditional .env file is a liability sitting in plain text on your machine. It works, but it requires discipline. You have to manage permissions, ensure your editor doesn't autosave to a temporary public location, and manually sync keys with your team via insecure channels like Slack or email. Why Should You Use It
This creates a .env.vault file.
: Developers historically stored raw secrets (like API keys and database passwords) in a local .env file. Because these secrets are unencrypted, developers must add .env to their .gitignore file. While this keeps secrets out of source control, it makes sharing configurations with team members highly manual and error-prone.
Why .env.vault.local Solves the "It Works on My Machine" Problem
# Log files npm-debug.log* yarn-debug.log* # Local environment files containing plaintext secrets or local decryption keys .env .env.local .env.vault.local # Do NOT ignore .env.vault as it contains the encrypted vault safe for source control !.env.vault Use code with caution. Troubleshooting Common .env.vault.local Issues 1. "Vault local key missing" or Decryption Errors