# Environment Variables

### **Why Environment Variables Matter**

In ClawCloud Run, environment variables are critical tools for managing configuration data in containerized applications. They enable you to:

* **Decouple configuration from code**: Provide dynamic settings (e.g., API keys, database URLs) without modifying your application’s code or container image.
* **Simplify deployment**: Adjust configurations across environments (development, staging, production) seamlessly.
* **Enhance security**: Avoid hardcoding sensitive information like credentials.

***

<figure><img src="/files/8Yif7663dkNWVFL7DzQX" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### **Defining Environment Variables**

#### Batch Input in APP Launchpad

ClawCloud Run allows you to define environment variables in bulk through the **APP Launchpad** interface:

1. **Format**:
   * Each variable is defined as a `key-value` pair.
   * Use **`=`** or **`:`** as separators (e.g., `DB_HOST=localhost` or `API_KEY:abc123`).
   * Enter one variable per line.
2. **Automatic Sanitization**:
   * ClawCloud Run automatically removes **invalid characters** (e.g., spaces, special symbols) from keys to ensure validity.

***

### **Example Use Cases**

* **Database Configuration**:

  ```
  DB_HOST=wordpress-fuqgvtds-mysql-mysql.ns-a497cy4s.svc
  DB_PORT=3306  
  DB_USER=root  
  ```
* **Third-Party API Integration**:

  ```
  STRIPE_KEY=sk_live_abc123  
  SENDGRID_API_KEY=SG.xyz456  
  ```
* **Feature Toggles**:

  ```
  ENABLE_BETA_FEATURES=true  
  MAINTENANCE_MODE=false  
  ```


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