How to Secure API Keys in a Next.js Application Using Environment Variables?
I'm updating my dependencies and I'm working on a Next.js application (version 12) that interacts with a third-party API, and I'm facing issues with securely managing API keys... I've stored my API keys in a `.env.local` file, but I'm concerned that if the file is accidentally committed to version control, my keys will be exposed. I understand that Next.js automatically loads environment variables prefixed with `NEXT_PUBLIC_` into the client-side code, but I'm worried about hardcoding sensitive keys in the client bundle. I've tried using server-side functions to retrieve the API keys. Here’s my approach: ```javascript // pages/api/getData.js import fetch from 'node-fetch'; export default async function handler(req, res) { const apiKey = process.env.API_KEY; // Loaded from .env.local const response = await fetch(`https://api.example.com/data?key=${apiKey}`); const data = await response.json(); res.status(200).json(data); } ``` In this function, I'm retrieving the API key securely on the server side, but I'm still worried that if the API is accessed directly from the client, someone could intercept the key in the network requests. Additionally, I have set up the `.env.local` file correctly, but I still get the following warning when I build the project: ``` Warning: Environment variable API_KEY not found in .env.local ``` I’m unsure if the variable is being picked up correctly or if there’s a better way to manage sensitive information in a full-stack application built with Next.js. Has anyone faced a similar issue or can recommend best practices for securing API keys in this context? Any insights would be appreciated! Hoping someone can shed some light on this.