Environment variable
Also called env var, .env file.
In plain English
An environment variable is a named setting that a program reads when it starts, kept outside the code.
Example
The same app reads one databaseA database is an organized collection of data that software can store, search, and update. address on a laptop and another on the live server, because each place sets a different environment variable.
Why it matters
Node.js docs explain that process.env holds the user environment, a set of names and values a program can read. Apps use environment variables for settings that change between places, such as which databaseA database is an organized collection of data that software can store, search, and update. to use, and for secretsIn Grok Bot, a secret is a key or credential saved in a masked, write-only field. Bots can use it, but the value is never shown again. like API keysAn API key is a credential an application sends so an API can identify or authorize the caller. that must not be written into the code.
How it shows up on bot.ski
Botski keeps keys and other secretsIn Grok Bot, a secret is a key or credential saved in a masked, write-only field. Bots can use it, but the value is never shown again. in environment variables on its host, never in the site's code.
Common confusion
Putting a secretIn Grok Bot, a secret is a key or credential saved in a masked, write-only field. Bots can use it, but the value is never shown again. in an environment variable keeps it out of the code, but anyone who can read the server settings can still see it.
Sources
Updated October 11, 2026.