.env.local is a feature commonly used in development environments, especially when working with applications that utilize environment variables for configuration. This feature is particularly popular in projects managed by frameworks like Next.js, Vue.js, and others that support or encourage the use of environment variables for sensitive or environment-specific configurations.
put private API keys in a variable that is exposed to the client side. .env.local
Why .env and .env.local Are Crucial – A DEV Community post that breaks down the "why" behind the two-file system. .env.local
Here is the most important sentence in this entire article: .env.local