Files & Configuration

.env.local

What It Is

Same as `.env` but specifically for your local machine, never shared or deployed

Your personal sticky note that never leaves your desk, even if you share the project with others

ENV.env.local

1	# Local development secrets (never commit this!)
2	ANTHROPIC_API_KEY=sk-ant-your-key-here
3	DATABASE_URL=postgresql://localhost:5432/dev_db
4	DEBUG=true

Secret notes you keep in a drawer. They're there, but you have to know to look for them

A sticky note with passwords and settings you keep in your desk drawer — never in a shared folder

A "do not pack" list for your suitcase — these items stay home no matter what

A briefing document you give to a new team member so they understand how things work here