The third factor—"Store config in the environment"—explicitly recommends separating configuration from code, with environment variables being the ideal vehicle for configuration values that vary between deploys. The .env.dist.local pattern implements this recommendation while solving the practical challenge of managing environment variables during local development.
Using a standard .env.dist is usually enough for simple applications. However, as infrastructure scales, several friction points emerge that .env.dist.local perfectly solves. 1. Distinguishing Global Templates from Local Templates .env.dist.local
If environment variables aren't loading as expected, the first check should be file location—distribution and local files must be in the correct directory (typically the project root). Next, verify that your application is actually loading the files. Some frameworks require explicit configuration to load .env files, while others do it automatically. Next, verify that your application is actually loading
To understand the purpose of .env.dist.local , one must first understand the standard configuration pattern: as infrastructure scales
is a PHP tool that performs similar functions, replacing template variables with values from environment variables or command-line arguments.
(or .env.example ): A distribution template that lists all required variable keys but leaves the sensitive values blank. Committed to Git to show team members what variables they need to define. Where does .env.dist.local fit in?