Node.js: Defining your first environment variables

This documentation is part of the Managing secrets guide. You can view the complete guide here: How to manage secrets with Node.js.

👋 Welcome to the Stackhero documentation!

Stackhero provides a ready-to-use Node.js cloud solution designed to help you move faster:

• Deploy your application to production in seconds with a simple git push. No additional tools or manual configuration required.
• Use your own domain and benefit from automatic HTTPS certificate setup, ensuring your application is secure without any extra steps.
• Enjoy automatic backups, one-click updates, and clear, predictable pricing so you can focus on developing features while Stackhero manages the infrastructure.
• Experience optimal performance and enhanced security thanks to a private, dedicated VM.

Save time and simplify your operations: it only takes a few minutes to try out Stackhero's Node.js cloud hosting solution!

You can define an environment variable by passing it at the start of your Node.js command, like this:

MY_PASSWORD=myDevelopmentPassword node app.js

This command creates a variable called MY_PASSWORD with the value myDevelopmentPassword. The format is straightforward: <KEY>=<value>.

By convention, environment variables are written in uppercase letters. Note that environment variables can only contain strings, not arrays or objects.