create react app not picking up .env files?

Create React App Not Picking Up .env Files?

If you are working with Create React App and facing issues with the app not picking up the .env files, you’re not alone. This problem can be frustrating, but fortunately, there are a few solutions you can try to resolve it.

Solution 1: Restart the Development Server

One common reason for Create React App not picking up .env files is that the development server might not have picked up the changes. In this case, restarting the development server can help.

To restart the development server, simply stop the current server by pressing Ctrl + C in your terminal, and then start it again by running the command:

npm start

This will ensure that any changes made to the .env files are picked up by the development server.

Solution 2: Check the .env File Naming

Another common mistake is using an incorrect naming convention for the .env file. Create React App expects the .env file to be named .env by default. If you have named it differently, such as .env.local or .env.development, the app might not pick it up.

To resolve this, make sure your .env file is named exactly .env. If you need environment-specific variables, you can use additional files such as .env.development or .env.production.

Solution 3: Check for Typos and Syntax Errors

If your .env file is correctly named and the development server has been restarted, but the app still doesn’t pick up the variables, it’s worth double-checking for any typos or syntax errors in the .env file.

Ensure that each variable is defined correctly with the format VARIABLE_NAME=variable_value. Also, make sure there are no extra spaces or special characters that could cause issues.

Solution 4: Use the Correct Variable Naming

When using environment variables in your React app, it’s essential to use the correct variable naming. By default, Create React App prefixes all environment variables with REACT_APP_.

For example, if you have a variable named API_KEY, you should define it as REACT_APP_API_KEY in your .env file.

Solution 5: Clear the Browser Cache

In some cases, the browser cache can interfere with the app picking up the changes from the .env file. To rule out this possibility, try clearing your browser cache and then reload the app.

Once you have tried these solutions, your Create React App should pick up the .env files correctly. If you are still facing issues, it’s worth checking the Create React App documentation or seeking help from the community.

Happy coding!