.env.dist.local -

cp .env.dist .env # for production-like defaults (optional)

Better yet, automate this in a setup script (e.g., bin/setup):

#!/usr/bin/env bash
if [[ ! -f ".env.local" ]]; then
    if [[ -f ".env.dist.local" ]]; then
        cp .env.dist.local .env.local
        echo "✅ Created .env.local from .env.dist.local"
    else
        echo "⚠️  No .env.dist.local found. Skipping."
    fi
fi

Frameworks often support a .env.local file that overrides .env. But if .env.local is also in .gitignore, how do you distribute a baseline configuration that includes both required variables and local defaults? .env.dist.local

Enter .env.dist.local — a bridge between a distributed blueprint and a mutable local override.

In your README.md, add setup instructions: Better yet, automate this in a setup script (e

# If you have .env.dist.local, copy to .env.local
cp .env.dist.local .env.local
Cause: Multiple developers adding new variables simultaneously.
Solution: Treat .env.dist.local like any source file — resolve conflicts manually. Or adopt a tool like dotenv-linter + alphabetical sorting. Frameworks often support a
Let's implement .env.dist.local in a real project.