> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.sdf.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Configuring Environment Variables and Secrets

## Overview

This guide will walk you through the steps to configure environment variables and secrets in our cloud platform. By adding these, you can securely manage sensitive data and environment-specific configurations.

<Warning>
  If you do not set an environment in your `.sdf.yml` file, the environment will default to `dbg`.If you want to change the default, you will need to update your `.sdf.yml` workspace block. To learn more, [see our doc on Renaming & Environments](/guide/setup/environments).
</Warning>

<Tip>
  All our credentials are stored encrypted at rest in accordance with our [SOC2 Compliance](https://soc2.sdf.com/).
</Tip>

## Steps to Configure Environment Variables and Secrets

<Steps>
  <Step title="Navigate to Settings and Select Your Workspace">
    * Once logged in, locate and [click on 'Settings'](https://console.sdf.com/catalog/settings) in the navigation menu. Make sure you're in the workspace you'd like to add environment variables to.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add Environment Variables or Secrets">
    * Click into the input fields to begin adding an environment variable or secret. In the dropdown field, select the type you want to add: Environment Variable or Secret. Then provide a name and input the value for the key.

    <Info>
      Note that the Name and Value fields must be unique, and can only contain alphanumeric characters, underscores, hyphens, or dots.
    </Info>

    <img src="https://cdn.sdf.com/img/environment_variables.png" />
  </Step>

  <Step title="Save the Configuration and Recompile">
    * Click the check mark to save the environment variable or secret. If you want to add more, click 'Add More' and repeat the steps.

    <Tip>
      After adding environment variables and secrets, you may need to recompile your workspace to see the changes reflected. To do this, [navigate to the top of your workspace page](https://console.sdf.com/catalog/settings) and select "Recompile".
    </Tip>
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Troubleshooting

* **Missing Required Fields:** Ensure all required fields are filled in correctly.
* **Environment Variable/Secret Not Saving:** Check for any error messages and ensure all fields are correctly filled.
* **Workspace Failed to Compile:** [Check the logs for your workspace](https://console.sdf.com/catalog/logs/default) to find more extensive information on why compilation failed. If your workspace fails to compile and you’ve integrated with Github, you may need to re-sync with Github or recompile your workspace first.

<Note>
  Still having trouble? [Join our Slack community](https://sdf.com/join) or email us at [help@sdf.com](mailto:help@sdf.com).
</Note>

## Related Topics

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Integrating with Github" href="/cloud/github_integration">
    Walk through the steps to integrate your GitHub repository with our cloud platform.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Adding Workspace Credentials" href="/cloud/credentials">
    Learn how to add credentials to your workspace.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>