adding a .env file

[DishaA06]

Hi maintainers 👋,

Currently, the repository uses environment variables (e.g., for MongoDB connection, API keys, etc.), but there's no .env.example file provided. This can make it difficult for new contributors or developers to understand what environment variables are needed and how to set them up.

I’d like to add a .env.example file that lists the required environment variables with placeholder values. This will improve the development experience by offering clarity and making onboarding smoother.

[github-actions]

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[souvikpramanikgit]

Can you show me where we use the environmental variable

We didn't add any api key here

[DishaA06]

Hi @souvikpramanikgit

You're right — upon reviewing the current codebase, I noticed that while there's no usage of an actual API key or sensitive secret yet, the project does use variables like the MongoDB URI and potentially others (like server port or deployment config) that are often set using environment variables in a .env file.

Even if the keys are not present now, adding a .env.example serves as:

Documentation for future contributors to know what variables they might need to define.

Good practice in open-source projects, especially full-stack ones.

Preparation for scaling — when features like authentication, third-party APIs, or secure configs are added later, the structure will already be in place.

Proposed .env.example (basic structure):

MONGODB_URI=your_mongodb_connection_string
PORT=5000

Add more variables as the project grows

Would you be open to me raising a PR with this starter template? Its not necessary, but can't be harmful
Let me know what you think! 😊