How to set up environment variables in Retool?

 

Setting Up Environment Variables in Retool

 

Retool provides a robust platform enabling users to quickly build apps with minimal code. One essential feature for dynamic behavior across different environments (development, testing, production) without changing the code is using environment variables. Here's a detailed technical guide to setting up environment variables in Retool.

 

Prerequisites

 

• Have an active Retool account with appropriate access permissions.
• Familiarity with basic Retool functionalities and the app interface.

 

Accessing the Retool Environment Settings

 

• Log in to your Retool account and open the Retool app where you want to set environment variables.
• Navigate to the app settings by clicking on the gear icon located at the top-right corner of the Retool app editor interface.

 

Creating a New Environment

 

• In the settings, locate the Environments tab. Here, Retool displays all the available environments for your app.
• Click the Add New Environment button to create a new environment if needed. Label the environment appropriately, such as Development, Testing, or Production.

 

Managing Environment Variables

 

• Select the environment you'd like to configure from the list.
• Within the selected environment, locate the section or tab labeled Environment Variables.

 

Adding Environment Variables

 

• Under the Environment Variables section, you should find options to add new variables.
• Click on Add Variable to begin adding your environment variables.
• Enter the variable Key and Value. For example, you might use API_URL as the key and a specific endpoint for development as the value.
• Configure additional settings if needed, such as making the variable optional or setting a default value.
• Ensure each variable is named uniquely and consistently to avoid conflicts.

 

Referencing Environment Variables in Retool

 

• Once added, environment variables can be referenced throughout your app.
• To use an environment variable in a JavaScript query or other component, use the syntax {{ app.environment['VARIABLEKEY'] }}. Replace VARIABLEKEY with the name of your environment variable.
• In SQL queries, JavaScript components, and other places, Retool intelligently replaces this syntax with the current environment's value.

 

Switching Between Environments

 

• To change environments, return to the app editor's top panel where your current environment is displayed.
• Click on the environment name and select a different one from the dropdown to switch the active environment for the app.
• Observe how app behaviors change according to the active environment by triggering your app's functionality.

 

Testing and Validating Functionality

 

• After setting up environment variables and switching environments, test the app thoroughly to ensure variables are correctly accessed and utilized.
• Verify each environment runs with the expected configuration by checking API calls, database connections, or any other external services relying on environment variables.

 

Troubleshooting Common Issues

 

• If a variable isn't available in a certain environment, revisit the environment settings to ensure it is defined correctly.
• Double-check the referencing syntax in your components to ensure no typos or syntax errors.
• Consider using browser developer tools to track variable usage and resolve any discrepancies.

 

Utilizing environment variables in Retool helps manage app configurations efficiently across various stages, improving workflow and reducing potential errors associated with manual code changes.