.env.python.local !!hot!!

Next, create your local override file named .env.python.local to store your local development secrets:

However, using a single .env file for everyone breaks down when different developers need different local setups (e.g., distinct database ports, local API keys, or custom debug flags). To solve this, teams use a layered configuration hierarchy: .env.python.local

: Environment variables are always read as raw strings. If you define DEBUG=False in your .env.python.local file, os.getenv("DEBUG") returns the string "False" . In Python, any non-empty string evaluates to a boolean True . Use explicit string checking ( os.getenv("DEBUG") == "True" ) or leverage parsing libraries like pydantic-settings to handle type casting seamlessly. Next, create your local override file named

Keep your credentials separate from your logic. In Python, any non-empty string evaluates to a boolean True

# .env.example - Commit this to Git # Database Configuration DATABASE_URL=postgresql://user:password@localhost:5432/mydb

Setting up a local environment using a file and a virtual environment (like