nextjs/any project have .env and .env.local so when run dev, will it auto pick .env.local or a need to configure something ?

Here is the direct solution if you have question something running in your back of your mind!

Next.js will automatically prioritize .env.local over .env.

more insightful below continue …

📚 Load order (by default):

Next.js loads env files in the following order depending on the mode (dev, build, start):

1. Development (next dev)

  • .env.development.local
  • .env.local
  • .env.development
  • .env

2. Production (next build)

  • .env.production.local
  • .env.local
  • .env.production
  • .env

⚠️ Only variables prefixed with NEXT_PUBLIC_ will be available in the browser.

🔧 No extra configuration needed

So you do NOT need to configure anything manually. It will:

  • Automatically load .env.local if it exists.
  • Fall back to .env for any variables not defined in .env.local.

✅ Best Practice:

  • Use .env for shared/default values (committed).
  • Use .env.local for machine-specific/secrets (not committed to Git).

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