> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.loupp.dev/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Environment Variables

> Manage environment variables and .env files for your sites in Loupp

## Overview

The Environment Variables feature in Loupp allows you to view, edit, and manage `.env` files for your sites. Unlike traditional environment variable management systems, Loupp doesn't store your `.env` files on its servers - instead, it provides a secure way to fetch, edit, and upload environment files as needed.

## How It Works

### Security-First Approach

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="No Permanent Storage" icon="shield">
    Loupp doesn't store your .env files on its servers
  </Card>

  <Card title="On-Demand Access" icon="refresh">
    Files are fetched when needed and removed after use
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

### Workflow

<Steps>
  <Step title="Fetch .env file">
    When you need to edit environment variables, fetch the file from your server
  </Step>

  <Step title="Edit in browser">
    Use the built-in code editor to modify your environment variables
  </Step>

  <Step title="Save changes">
    Upload the modified file back to your server
  </Step>

  <Step title="Automatic cleanup">
    The file is automatically removed from Loupp's storage
  </Step>
</Steps>

## File Management

### Removing .env from Loupp

To remove your `.env` file from Loupp's storage:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Access the option">
    The "Remove .env file from loupp" button appears when a file is loaded
  </Step>

  <Step title="Confirm removal">
    Click the button to remove the file from temporary storage
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Info>
  This only removes the file from Loupp's temporary storage - it doesn't affect your server.
</Info>

### Automatic Cleanup

Loupp automatically manages file cleanup:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="After Save" icon="check">
    Files are automatically removed after successful upload
  </Card>

  <Card title="Security" icon="shield">
    No sensitive data remains on Loupp servers
  </Card>
</CardGroup>