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Ruby Environment Variables

Using Environment Variables

Ruby environment variables use ENV for configuration.

Introduction to Ruby Environment Variables

Environment variables in Ruby are used to pass configuration information into the application. These variables can be crucial for managing different environments such as development, testing, and production. Ruby provides easy access to these variables using the ENV object.

Accessing Environment Variables

To access an environment variable in Ruby, you can use the ENV object followed by the variable's name as a key. This object acts like a hash, allowing you to get the value of an environment variable by its name.

Setting Environment Variables

While it's common to set environment variables outside Ruby (e.g., in a Unix shell or in a deployment script), you can also set them within a Ruby script for temporary use. This is useful for testing.

Common Use Cases

Environment variables are often used to store sensitive information such as API keys and database credentials, as well as to configure application settings that differ across environments.

Best Practices for Using Environment Variables

  • Do not hardcode sensitive information: Use environment variables to keep sensitive data out of your source code.
  • Use a library for managing environment variables: Consider using gems like dotenv to simplify managing environment variables in development.
  • Document required variables: Keep a list of necessary environment variables and their purposes.

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